The progress at Waterford Airport is a testament to the efforts of the entire South East region

It is easy to forget that Waterford Airport is not only a major development for the Déise, but also for the wider south east region.

Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary and Wexford have all shown a vested interest in the progression of the airport, and their show of support over the years has been paramount to getting the development to where it is.

It is hoped that the airport could be fully operational in 2027.

This week, General Manager of the Airport, Mr. Aidan Power, paid tribute to Waterford's neighbours for their years of support.

He said: "There was a lot of representation made to the Department and with Ministers along the way, trying to get the point across that this was a regional ask.

"There's been a lot of support and it's great to see. Sometimes you can feel like you’re out there fighting the battle and looking around you there’s not too many people there, but in fairness to Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Tipperary have all been in the mix trying to push it and get it over the line."

Speaking this week, Kilkenny based councillors expressed their delight at seeing the funding in place for the airport.

Cllr Pat Dunphy said: "I think it would be fantastic for the south east and I really have to compliment the work that the airport put in and for sticking with it over the years. It would have been very easy to leave it there when things looked difficult."

Cllr Fidelis Doherty added: "It seems like the heavy lifting has been done and it has come a long way.  It will be great for the regional area in terms of infrastructure and connectivity. For most people, when they talk about going to airports they think about the nightmare of getting there, so it will be very accessible now. 

"The summer of 2027 wont be so far away."

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)