William Bolster to match council funding for Waterford Airport
Waterford Airport
William Bolster has announced that he will match the funding provided by Waterford City and County Council for Waterford Airport.
In a statement to the Waterford News and Star, Mr Bolster said the decision was made in response to inaction from the Government and to support all those who work for and at the airport.
“In light of the recent and disappointing news from the Government, which will lead to further delays on the development of Waterford Airport and the need for operational funding for 2025 and 2026.
"Following the support passed by Waterford City Council to contribute funding, it was decided that William Bolster of Bolster Group will equally share in the contribution of operational funding required to ensure the business continues until a firm plan of action for the future is achieved.
“This decision is not taken lightly. It is to show support for the management and staff of Waterford Airport.
“In doing so, we are sending a message that Waterford Airport is there for the long term,” said Mr Bolster.
At the July plenary meeting, Waterford City and County Council voted to provide up to €450,000 in funding to the airport for operational costs.
Officials and Waterford TDs met with the Minister and Department for Transport earlier this month to discuss what information was required for Government funding.
Separately, Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness this week asked the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, in a parliamentary question, if he will reconsider funding the extension of the runway.
The Minister responded that Waterford Airport has been invited to make a preliminary business case.
He said they were working with all stakeholders to progress the project, in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
“I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will work with the airport in its development of the business case and any such case will be assessed as a matter of priority when received by my Department,” said Minister O’Brien.
