Harry Palmr wrote: » R117 quietly does life saving work most weeks if we lose it there will be deaths that otherwise would not have occurred. Flying in from Cork or Dublin does not cut it when you're sinking off Hook head.
Muttley79 wrote: » https://www.wlrfm.com/2021/06/24/waterford-airport-in-danger-of-collapsing-and-dying-if-funding-for-runway-extension-isnt-secured Typical answer from government.nobody still knows if it's yay or nay
Anyone else notice a flight departing every couple of days I think it's Logan air. When I tracked today it looks like a flight from Waterford to Aberdeen
thought i spotted something alright, wonder what the craic is there
Seen the same plane taking off last week also. I'm not sure
LM891. Seems to go on Tuesdays
Looks like a private charter, likely taking project personnel / crew from Aberdeen to Waterford to be then transferred via Heli to the Stena Spey and project vessels working on the Kinsale Gas decommissioning project.
Cork airport is closed currently. Oilrig operations have been moved to Waterford for the time being.
Was the planning permission for the runway extension ever granted by An Bord Planala?
No
Looks like a few months for the planning decision
https://waterford-news.ie/2021/10/29/cllrs-express-frustration-at-waterford-airport-silence/
This true? Appears they might be reducing the number of rescue helicopter bases?
https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/fears-grow-for-life-saving-wexford-rescue-helicopter-service-41216861.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding
From https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ed653-irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-sar-aviation-project/
The PQQ states that the minimum requirement is three helicopters and a fixed wing aircraft on standby for Coast Guard aviation tasking. This is a minimum requirement for aircraft on standby, bidders can propose more. The number of bases and their location are not specified and proposals will be reviewed on their merits in relation to their ability to respond in a timely manner. Section 1.5 of the PQQ states “The precise number and location of bases have not been set as minimum requirements. It will be a matter for Tenderers at Stage 2 and later to propose a suitable configuration of bases”.
It's a minimum of 3 aircraft. No number of bases specified.
From what I can garner from the document, it's up to the tendering company to propose the bases and number of craft in order to meet the service level requirements of being able to reach any point under their responsibility within a minimum timeframe. Struggling to see how any bidder will manage to keep the same level of coverage if they try and merge any 2 of Dublin, Waterford, Shannon or Sligo.
Merging Shannon and Waterford into a single base at Cork would seem the obvious way to do it. Then you have a base on the east coast, a base on the south coast and a base on the west coast.
this seems to pop up every time theres a contract renewal, air ambulance are also trying to increase their state funding, we clearly need all of these services!
... ooohhh
I'll get the popcorn in!!!
No way- as someone in Kilkenny cork is way too far for us and for most of the south east and east coast. Defeats the purpose of a rapid helicopter service. Cork can be adequately served by bases in Waterford for east cork and Shannon for the rest. Waterford is an ideal location and close to the busier sea routes up and down the Irish Sea
Still no decision from An Bord Pleanala on the runway extension it was due to be decided February 2021, it all looks like a collective effort to finish off the airport for good!
This absolutely stinks.
Remember people Waterford must learn to share! Big Phil FG.
Pretty soon there won't be anything to share !
Regardless of a decision, I can't see this investment going ahead. Looks like they'll need new investors, the cost of construction has rocketed, and the demand for flights has plummeted.
The EU are fully committed to supporting small Regional airports through the exceptional circumstances brought on by the Pandemic ;https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/689346/EPRS_BRI(2021)689346_EN.pdf
If Waterford Airport folds, it will not be for the lack of availability of short-term finance to see it through current hard times or the lack of a long-term viable business plan, it has one. It will be down to it's enemies, 80 miles to the Southwest and their friends in high office both elected and permanent, steering Government to let WAT wither on the vine through a series of negative policy decisions (SAR helicopter contract terms of reference) or lack of proactive policy decisions ( constricting short-term funding, not supporting the runway extension).
We've seen it all before with WIT and UHW, to name but two. It's a well worn playbook in Langerland.
Demand for flights plummeting is a short-term issue for all airports and airlines. we will still need to get off this island to do business and go on holiday when the Pandemic abates and all the Zoom meetings, staycations and Green anti-flying agendas in the world is not going to stop that.
Whatever about what public funding might available, I think there's genuine doubts about whether the private investment is still there. At least one of the proposed backers appears to have pulled out.
While I think it'd be nice to have the option of an airport there, you've got to wonder how they'd be able to make it work anytime soon. You're looking to add extra capacity to a sector that doesn't need it.
I think the best outcome in light of the current challenges facing the sector is work commencing in the next 1-2 years and completing in the next 3 or so years - when additional demand might actually be there.
I know I've mentioned it here before, but I think the airport dodged a bullet by not finishing work on an extension a couple of years ago and it lying idle as a white elephant. I think that situation would have killed the airport off completely, but I'm glad that this has been avoided.
