Red to the discussion,
4 words;
Waterford, Ryanair, Runway Extension
The runway is only been extended by 150 metres to 1585 metres, that is still way too short for 737-800!
If I remember rightly Derry which has a runway of around 1900 metres, Ryanair has to operate with some restrictions and blocks out several rows of seats for these services.
Doing a Google search only confirms the Irish Government is willing to part fund the extension and the airport has got to fund the rest and this funding has yet to be secured. I highly doubt this work will be completed in time for the Summer 2014 timetable for Ryanair starting to operate the route!