THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
Waterford Airport, once a beacon of hope for the South East, has been struggling for years. I’ve watched as promises of growth and prosperity have fallen flat, leaving us to wonder if it’s time to cut our losses. The airport’s underperformance is no secret, and its high time we ask ourselves if clinging to it is really in our best interest. Maybe it’s time to explore other options that could better serve our region.
Waterford Airport has been a bit of a letdown. Despite all the efforts to breathe new life into it, the results have been underwhelming. I’ve seen the promises, the grand plans, but where’s the follow-through? It’s like we’re clinging to a sinking ship, hoping it’ll somehow float. But the truth is, it’s dragging us down. We need to face the facts: Waterford Airport isn’t delivering. Holding onto it might just be holding us back. It’s time to confront these harsh realities and consider if our loyalty to this failing venture is worth the cost to our region’s future.
An airport needs to be strategically placed in the centre of its catchment area. Ask yourself this: if Kilkenny City is the northernmost point of Waterford Airport’s catchment area, where’s the southernmost point? It’s out in the Celtic Sea where only fish live and they don’t buy airline seats We’re talking about an airport that’s supposed to serve the entire South East, yet it’s barely scratching the surface. We need an airport that’s smack dab in the middle, not one that’s hanging on the edge of the sea. I believe that a new purpose-built Kilkenny/Carlow Airport on the Kilkenny, Carlow border makes perfect sense.
When considering where to place a new airport in the South East, positioning it between Paulstown in Kilkenny and Bagnelstown in Carlow offers significant advantages. This location benefits from the centrality that Kilkenny/Carlow is known for, ensuring easy access for a wide range of travellers. Being nestled between two vibrant communities, the area bridges the rich history and cultural allure of Kilkenny with the convenience and connectivity of Carlow.
Additionally, placing the airport here leverages the existing infrastructure, making it a commercially viable option. The strategic spot would facilitate smooth logistics and transportation, enhancing accessibility for both local and international visitors. The proximity to major road networks means shorter travel times for passengers and freight alike, thereby boosting economic prospects for the entire region.
Overall, the Kilkenny/Carlow border area near Paulstown and Bagnelstown stands out as an optimal and forward-thinking choice for a new airport. Located close to the M9 that links Dublin to Waterford and the train station at Bagnelstown would provide easy access and bread new life into the area.
Kilkenny/Carlow’s strategic position can serve a wider area, attracting passengers from not only Kilkenny and Carlow but also Wexford, and Kildare and the big prize the massive residential areas of south and west Dublin. This would enhance travel convenience and draw visitors and investors, greatly benefiting local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Additionally, the airport’s construction would create jobs, stimulating the local economy. Opportunities abound for builders, engineers, and future employment prospects once the airport is operational. Clearly, Carlow is the ideal location, offering economic benefits that other regions like Waterford cannot match.
So, here’s a thought – what if we build Kilkenny/Carlow Airport as a dual-use airport? By moving the military from Casement Airdrome from Baldonnel to the new Kilkenny/Carlow airport we, on one hand, answers Ireland’s need for more flight hubs and, on the other, it frees up some prime land.
Imagine the potential for public housing in areas released from military use. The Government could step in, build homes that are desperately needed, and kill the housing crisis with a bit of clever planning.
It’s a win-win…
