298. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport when he last discussed capital funding for the extension to the runway at Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35580/24]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently assessing the development proposal put forward by Waterford Airport. This assessment includes significant additional documentation and responses to queries raised by Department officials and addressed by the airport up until 17 July.

A detailed appraisal is necessary to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) and the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines.

My Department is concluding its initial assessment which I expect to be formally submitted to me for my consideration shortly. Engagement will be undertaken with Government colleagues and with all Oireachtas members within the Constituency on this matter at the appropriate time.

National aviation policy National aviation policy commits to optimising the operations of the Irish airport network to ensure maximum connectivity to the rest of the world. Whilst restrictions are posed by the planning cap on Dublin airport it is hoped that the regional airports can absorb additional traffic, which action allies with their existing growth objectives. I am actively engaged in reviewing what additional measures may be required to promote and facilitate further connections and growth in those regional airports. State investment at Waterford Airport would be contingent on significant, evidence based, demonstration that sufficient demand exists for Waterford airport to be a viable facility for regular scheduled aviation business notwithstanding that other airports in the near vicinity and shared catchment, which are already well established, are facing challenges in further growth.

I further note that Waterford airport has previously operated scheduled services without any major runway extension operate services without any major runway extension. The existing runway is comparable to Donegal airport which successfully operates both PSO and commercial propeller plane services.