On page 46 of the programme for Government there is a commitment to prepare properly regional airports for a future in which they can operate on a stand-alone commercial basis. As the Tánaiste is aware, there has not been a commercial flight from Waterford Airport since 2016. The search and rescue service covering the south-east area still operates from the airport. There is a submission before the Government to extend and upgrade the runway to allow the airport to compete competitively. The submission requests €5 million from the Government, to be matched by €5 million funding from business investors and €2 million from local authorities in the south east.

Is there any update on the approval of this request? The airport has the potential to bring a much-needed economic boost to the region through tourism, business and cargo flights.

This issue is currently with the Department. I will ask the office of the Minister, Deputy Ross, to respond immediately to the Deputy with an update on the matter.