I have lost count of the number of times I have raised the need for funding for Waterford Airport in the House. In fact, I have raised this several times with the Tánaiste – almost a dozen at this point. I have also raised it several times with the Taoiseach and the relevant Minister. Despite all the personal statements of support I have received, more of which I have no doubt I will hear from the Tánaiste, what I request has still not happened. A commitment was given in 2019 but there is still no funding six years later. There is genuine frustration right across the south east because three local authorities are funding this, namely those of Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford. Despite all the promises, all the information sought and all the clarifications given, the funding has not been given.

I do not have a difficulty with funding going to other airports but, over the past several years, whereas Kerry, Donegal, Knock, Cork and Dublin airports have received very significant capital funding, no funding was provided to Waterford Airport because it does not have the runway extension. Can the Tánaiste tell me once and for all when the funding will be given? When can we have a fighting chance in the south east to have air connectivity with Britain and the rest of Europe?

I thank Deputy Cullinane for raising this issue again. I acknowledge he has raised it frequently. I would make the point that when we have worked together, across parties in this House, on issues relating to Waterford and the rest of the south east, including the university in recent years, we have managed to make progress together. This is a similar issue. Genuinely across the House, there is support for what is requested. The programme for Government commits to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the commitment decision of 2019. That I believe, is the wording in the programme for Government. In line with that commitment, I have spoken to the Minister for Transport, Deputy O’Brien, and I am aware that he is engaging with local representatives, including Deputy Cullinane, on the next steps. I want to be clear that I am fully committed to advancing this project in line with the programme for Government commitment.