Plans for the development of the international airport in County Wexford are to be brought before Wexford's councillors and TDs in the coming weeks.
Paschal Taggart, former Chair of Bord na gCon is heading the consortium behind the plans, which have arrived as somewhat of a shock for the region.
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Mr Taggat's consortium had previously forwarded plans for a new Dublin South airport before yesterday's announcement they would consider developing in North Wexford if suitable land in South Wicklow was not located.
The main plan focuses on developing an airport with a three-kilometre runway, capable of accommodating commercial jets, on a 600-acre site near Arklow town in south County Wicklow. However, it is possible the development could be moved further south to Gorey.
The news means Waterford Airport, which has seen passenger figures increase significantly in recent years, could face stiff competition from a larger airport hub in the region.
The move would mimic a common European model of locating a secondary airport such a distance from the capital. Peripheral airports tend to be favoured by low cost carriers such as Ryanair and have revitalised otherwise struggling areas.
(DW/KMcA)
