Harris pushes responsibility for 'next steps' on Waterford Airport to Independent Minister of State
The Tánaiste said he would ask the new Independent Minister of State at the Department of Transport to meet with Waterford’s TDs under challenge from Waterford’s Deputy Cullinane. Photo: Joe Evans
Challenged to make a commitment on the development of Waterford Airport during Leaders’ Questions by Waterford’s David Cullinane TD, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was “supportive” of the development project but put the responsibility for next steps onto the shoulders of an Independent TD.
“Several times over the last number of years I have raised with the Tánaiste the need to fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport,” Deputy David Cullinane, TD for Waterford and Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health, put to the Tánaiste and pushed for a commitment to a timeline.
Teachta Cullinane recalled the commitment to the development of Waterford Airport in the Programme for Government and echoed his prior criticism of the lack of “certainty in relation to the funding” and the lack of “specifics with regard to the timeframe”.
“The people of Waterford, and particularly those who are in management positions in the airport, want the Government to be very clear and unequivocal that the funding that is needed will be made available, that there will be no more delays - we have had far too many of them - and that we will give the airport a fighting chance to be able to get commercial activity into the airport at long last.”
In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris, TD for Wicklow, said, “As the Deputy knows, I agree with him on this issue and I am supportive of this project.”
The Fine Gael leader said that the project “could be a real enabler for the south-east region”.
Tánaiste Harris said that the newly appointed Minister of State, Deputy Séan Canney of the Independent Regional Group “is due to meet his officials in the coming days specifically on that issue”.
Harris acknowledged that the Programme for Government makes a direct commitment regarding the airport but put responsibility for the next steps on his Independent government colleague: “Once the Minister of State has had an opportunity to engage with his officials, I will ask him to engage with Waterford Oireachtas Members on the next steps."
In a statement to Waterford News & Star, Deputy Cullinane said: "Clear commitments were given during the election campaign by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael which now need to be delivered on."
The Sinn Féin representative added: "I welcome a commitment by the Tánaiste that a meeting will take place between Waterford Oireachtas members in the next few weeks and the new Minister in this area.
"Deputy Conor McGuinness and I will be pushing for clear timelines on funding and delivery."
