Bircan Dokuzlar, 48, originally from Turkey, died when he attempted to land the aircraft in a field close to Waterford Airport on November 21st last. The aircraft had taken off from Sligo and was heading for Beziers in France.

Councillors voted in favour of the proposal, which will see the runway extended and widened to international standards. 

The privately funded proposal is backed by Bolster Group as the airport is looking to bring back international flights.

The flight took off from Waterford Airport bound for London Gatwick on Monday, July 8th, 1985.

The airport is to receive €12 million in private sector investment by the Comer Group International, in partnership with Bolster Group, to develop a major runway expansion plan