William Bolster: Funding delays having "massive knock-on effect" at Waterford Airport

The ongoing delays with Government funding for Waterford Airport are having a "massive knock on effect" when it comes to costs there.

So says William Bolster, of the Bolster Group, who is the largest shareholder at the airport, a member of its board and a key investor in terms of attempts to deliver the long-awaited runway extension.

Last week, a high-level meeting regarding funding of the airport took place in Dublin with Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien meeting Waterford ministers and local council officials.

William Bolster was not present and he said nor was there a long-standing board member present who would know "the ins and outs" over the years.

On Friday's 'Deise Today', Waterford Minister of State Mary Butler said the feedback from the Transport Minister was that a viable Business Case had not been put forward.

However, speaking to Damien this morning - exclusively - William Bolster said they had been asked to provide a 'business plan' and they were told "politically" that this would suffice.

He also spoke about the board seeking council support for operation costs at the Killowen facility, in the interim, as the effect of the continued lack of Government funding for the runway extension makes operations there increasingly difficult.

You can listen back to William Bolster's extensive chat with Damien this morning by clicking on the image above...