Waterford Airport secures €30m investment to restore commercial flights in 2027

The will facilitate large aircraft and enable the return of commercial passenger services by late 2027.

The future of Waterford Airport has been secured after Waterford City and County Council approved a €30m investment in the service by an unnamed US investor.

The investment, which was rubber stamped at a special council meeting in the city, was brought forward by Bolster Group through a new company titled Waterford Airport Ltd (WAL).

The money will ensure a major redevelopment programme as set out in a present business plan, including a runway extension by over 2,000 metres and a width extension to 45 metres.

Those measures will facilitate large aircraft and enable the return of commercial passenger services by late 2027.

The redevelopment is expected to cater for up to 400,000 passengers annually by 2032.

The work is expected to commence in Q1 2026 and take a year to complete.

In approving the investment, the council approved the disposal of lands and the waiving of a previous loan of €670,000.

It also supplants the council’s annual financial subvention that has been practised since 2016.

Its decision comes amidst faith in the region’s economic and social potential, through inward investment, improved regional connectivity and tourism.

The private investor’s identity remains confidential for now but their legal representative, Mason, Hayes and Curran, confirmed that they represent a US national with ample capital to meet the commitment.

William Bolster, Executive of the Bolster Group: "The positive vote is fantastic news and paves the way to deliver a vital infrastructure project for the South-East. This will not only secure existing jobs but will allow employment to expand with upwards of 100 jobs both on and off site involved during construction. Once complete further jobs will be added as scheduled air traffic proceeds."

The investment will be subjected to FDI screening by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Third Country Transactions Act 2023, before it can proceed.

Waterford City and County Council CEO, Seán McKeown, says the investment “will transform Waterford Airport into a fully functional and commercially viable regional airport, restoring direct air connectivity to the South-East”.

He added that it will “enhance the competitiveness of Waterford and the wider region in attracting investment and supporting high-value employment”, while strengthening tourism and supporting “balanced regional development” that will enhance the region’s quality of life”.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Séamus Ryan described the council’s decision as “a historic day for Waterford and for the entire South East”.

He saw it as “a game changer for the region” that “will attract further inward investment, create jobs, drive tourism and bring the South East closer to the world.” The investment also ensures the retention of all employees and maintains the existing Search and Rescue (SAR) services for a further 10 years.