Talks today over future of airport
January 22, 2003
(16:52) Talks will take place in both Waterford and Dublin today as efforts continue to safeguard the future of the South East Regional airport.
The airport, which is based just outside Waterford city, received a major blow last night when the only airline operating at the airport announced that it was not going to fly from the airport from this morning.
The airline informed the Dept of Transport by letter yesterday that it was withdrawing its services from Sligo, Donegal and Waterford. In the letter it stated that 'the UK Civil Aviation Authorities have decided to suspend the airlines UK AOC. This action means that Euroceltic Airways are not in a position to operate the PSC schedules for which we are contracted to, as from of this moment.'
Euroceltic Airlines has also said that 120 jobs are to go. However, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has told RTÉ News that it has not revoked or suspended the operating licence of Euroceltic.
On Radio this morning Junior Minister Jim McDaid said he hoped to have another airline servicing the Sligo and Donegal routes within a fortnight.
The board of the South East Regional Airport at Waterford is continuing with a series of meetings today with all of the parties involved to ensure the airport has a viable future.
Nicholas Fewer, chairman of the airport board, said that active negotiations with carriers are continuing and talks are ongoing with all interested parties to secure the best outcome for the airport and the region. All avenues are being explored in a bid to resolve the current difficulties, he added.
Delegation to meet Ministers
Meanwhile, a delegation from Waterford Chamber of Commerce was due to meet Seamus Brennan, Minister for Transport, in Dublin to discuss the airport crisis; the current threat which hangs over the Rosslare/Limerick Junction line and rail freight generally; and progress on the Waterford/Dublin dual carriageway.
The delegation was to meet Seamus Brennan and Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen at Government Buildings at around 3pm and the meeting is expected to last a few hours.