Kilkenny to help fund €12m runway at Waterford Airport

By COLIN BARTLEY

KILKENNY rate payers are stumping up some of the funds to pay for the extension of the runway at Waterford Airport.

It has been confirmed Kilkenny County Council will be a part shareholder in the venture that will cost up to €12 million.

Minister of State John Halligan yesterday announced the Government has approved €5 million in capital funding for the runway extension.

Kilkenny County Council, along with their counterparts in Wexford and Waterford will pay an equal amount up to €2 million between them, with the private sector providing the remaining €5 million.

The runway upgrade is being carried out to try and attract international airlines to the South East. The funds will be used to extend the current length of the runway from 1,433 meters to 2,280 meters.

When completed the airport will be able to cater for large commercial planes such as Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s.