Would just like to point out that 1850m runway would be fine for a fully loaded Ryanair B737-800. ABZ and BHD two airports Ryanair served and ABZ had no restrictions on DUB flights not sure what the story is with BHD-UK routes but think they were allowed operate at capacity on a 1829m runway. Anyway I think Waterford would have standards and attract EI before Ryanair.
Unfortunately Flybe are currently not in the running, either are BMIr. I would be confident of some sort of announcement by the end of the month or during February.
Interesting development is all I can say. Did not see this one coming.
Rex
If you can rule out Cityjet/Air France then it will be an intresting development. Can you?