Waterford Airport runway funding
Deputy Cullinane presses for State funding to extend Waterford Airport’s runway and says the delay is causing anger locally. The Taoiseach supports the development, says he will seek a Transport Minister update, and believes there is a strong case for it.
I have always raised issues in my constituency very robustly and, I hope, very fairly with the Taoiseach and Ministers. I am growing very impatient, however, regarding the issue of Waterford Airport and the need for State funding to extend its runway. There is a lot of very harsh feeling in Waterford regarding comments made by the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, last week, when he used the words, "pig in a poke", in responding to questions on this issue. It has caused a lot of offence. Why are we still waiting? We have been told that information is being sought from the board, which has been given, including business cases and more detail that was needed, yet we are still waiting. Will the Taoiseach tell me and, more importantly, the people of Waterford, when we will see a decision made on funding Waterford Airport to extend its runway to allow that airport to thrive?
Comment on this
I am in favour of the Waterford Airport development. I know there is frustration in Waterford. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue regarding a decision. I will seek an update from the Minister for Transport. My understanding is that the business case is with him for consideration. In my view, there is a very compelling case in respect of Waterford Airport. That is a strongly held view across the political spectrum in Waterford. I will revert to the Deputy directly.