Media reports in Waterford indicate that the Minister for Finance, Deputy McGrath, is due in town tomorrow. There is an expectation that he is bringing an airport runway under his arm. I understand the business case is ready to be put to the Government, but I have seen many frothy announcements for Waterford left to wither on the vine as the Government stonewalls and forces private capital to look elsewhere. I remind the Tánaiste that the Government has paid out €198 million in regional aviation supports since 2020. Waterford received just €375,000 of that, namely, just 0.2% of national airport funding. Will the Tánaiste give a commitment that the Department's response will be finalised and provided in the next two months in order to allow a schedule to begin at Waterford Airport for spring 2025? If it is a daunting ask, I remind the Tánaiste of the speed with which the Government moved to approve the Dunkettle roundabout and the extensions at Cork and Dublin airports.

Deputy Shanahan's detailed analysis of Cork development is always appreciated. If he could communicate it to Cork local media, it would be helpful.

The Tánaiste does that every well himself.

It would be an extraordinary feat if the Minister for Finance could manage to go to Waterford this week and bring a runway under his arm. I will speak to him about the issues involved. There has been significant development in Waterford, and the economy there has improved greatly over the past three years.

It only received 0.2% of the aviation funding.

I take Deputy Shanahan's point, but in terms of foreign direct investment into Waterford and domestic industries developing, it is a different story. In this regard, I refer to the investment in the quays by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy O'Brien, by means of the urban regeneration and development fund.

I will debate the figures with the Tánaiste any time.

There has been a huge commitment to Waterford. Sometimes Deputy Shanahan has to balance it with the positives as well.

I can see the positives but to date it does not-----

There is also the increase in employment. The aviation world has been challenging, not only in terms of Covid but also developments across different parts of the country.

But not for Cork or Dublin. That is the point.

Actually, Dublin is dominating aviation.