Waterford Chamber refutes Airport funding claims

Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley has hit back at the accusation that there was no viable case for continuing to fund Waterford Airport.

The claim came as the three State-owned airports called on the Government to scale back funding for regional airports, including Waterford Airport.

DAA and Shannon Group believe the financial supports which the regional airports current receive are not delivering value for money.

In particular Cork Airport stated it did not believe there was a viable case for a proposed increase in the subvention to Waterford Airport as it had not operated any commercial flights for several years.

However, Gerald Hurley says this is a time to look forward and not back and that Waterford Airport is critical to the growth of Waterford and the South East region as outlined under Ireland 2040.

“Tourism and business growth are key factors in the economic development of the region. A functioning airport to allow for both is essential and any negating on funding at this point could be detrimental.

“We would urge the Government to continue funding regional airports and honour their commitment to conditionally fund the the lengthening and widening of Waterford Airport’s runway. We have heard from our members, who are some of the largest employers in the region, that a functioning airport will be of huge benefit to their international trade and we must do everything we can to ensure this happens. Waterford has some of the top companies in the world but accessibility is a major issue for international executives.

“The work/life balance on offer in Waterford is our strongest selling point and with accessibility and a strong focus on the tourism sector, the Airport is an integral cog in the wheel of promoting Waterford as a great destination to live, work, invest in and do business.”