Waterford Airport investment
David Cullinane asks about a proposed €30 million private investment and runway extension for Waterford Airport; the Taoiseach will discuss the proposal with the Transport Minister.
I raise with the Taoiseach again investment for Waterford Airport. It is something I have raised with him dozens of times. The airport's management has always made well-researched, very detailed propositions to Government on the need for the runway extension. Is the Taoiseach aware of a new consortium or investor that is prepared to put €30 million, it seems, on the table? Has he been briefed on that? In the past there was an ask for Government funding, which it seems will not be needed if this proposal is genuine. It has to be approved by the local authority but I understand it also has to be approved by Government and by the line Minister. Is it something the Taoiseach has been briefed on? Is he aware of this? Is the Government supportive and will it sign off on this if it comes across its desk?
Comment on this
The Minister has been briefed in respect of this and I will be engaging with a number of Ministers on this as to what the current situation is. When the Deputy says "approved", does he mean by the Minister for housing?
Comment on this
It is the Minister for Transport from an airport perspective, but if the local authority is engaging and is facilitative, it may not require its line Minister to approve it also. It probably does not. The new injection of private capital is a very significant development. I will talk to the Minister for Transport in respect of it.