Waterford Airport welcomes European Commission approval for Ireland’s Regional Airports Programme

August 2015

Waterford Airport has welcomed the announcement by Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, that the European Commission has formally approved Ireland’s Regional Airports Programme for the period to 2019.

State aid operational expenditure and capital expenditure will now be made available to the regional airports in Waterford, Kerry, Donegal and Mayo in accordance with European criteria.

It is anticipated that €42.5m will be invested across the four regional airports between now and 2019 with additional support available for activities such as firefighting, air traffic control and passenger/baggage security, all of which fall under a public policy remit.

Desmond O’Flynn, CEO, Waterford Airport said: “The consultation process with the European authorities commenced over a year ago so it’s good to have this formal approval for Ireland’s programme to proceed. For our part, Waterford Airport will now finalise our five-year business plan and make a formal submission to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport seeking their support on delivering our ambitious but achievable proposals.

“The strong support within the Airport’s catchment for the scheduled passenger services to/from London Luton and Birmingham operated by VLM Airlines underlines the demand for direct flights between the southeast region and the UK, and we are fully committed to building a sustainable business over the coming years.”

Further information about Waterford Airport is available at www.flywaterford.com while you can book flights at www.flyvlm.com.