Plans to develop a runway extension at Waterford Airport have taken a major leap forward.

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the project, which will support the future development of the airport.

Welcoming the planning permission, local Sinn Féin representative David Cullinane said: "A runway extension will make it easier for airport management to attract commercial carriers. Hopefully this is a step forward in a process that will see commercial flights again take off from our airport. 

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"Waterford Airport is critical to Waterford and the region. 

"The next step must now be to secure the funding to complete the works and, as a consequence, send a signal that Waterford Airport is serious about expansion. 

"The government needs to steady and provide support when necessary. The funding for the runway extension will come from a mix of sources. However there is more that government will be called on to do in the time ahead."