Waterford Airport 'critical to region's success'

The head of Waterford Airport has said that maintaining services there is critical to the economic development of the area, following reports that the facility's future is in doubt.

An article in today's Irish Times says that Galway and Sligo airports are also under threat due to a lack of funding from the Department of Transport.

Chief executive of Waterford Airport Graham Doyle said the airport was critical for the region's economic future.

"A report by international transport consultants last year stated that the airport supports almost 600 jobs within the region…It's critical that the airport continues to exists," he said.

My Doyle added that this morning's report was the only indication so far that the airport was under threat.

Meanwhile, Galway Airport manager Joe Walsh warned 60 jobs were at stake at the Carnmore facility, as well as approximately 180 ancillary jobs.