Minister Ryan slams airport business case

The Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan criticised the business case that was submitted requesting government funding for the extension of the runway at Waterford Airport saying it "isn't a business case". 

This comes amid pressure on the government after Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless TD, apologised last week for describing the Waterford Airport business plan as "a pig in a poke" in the Dáil.

The Department of Transport has completed its assessment of the business case which has been submitted to the Ministers. The 18-page assessment, which has been seen by Waterford News & Star, was completed in August following receipt of the document in December 2023.

Speaking to Damien Tiernan on WLR Monday November 4, Minister Ryan said "What is presented isn't a business case. If it's to proceed, they have to present a much more detailed business case. That takes into account some of the questions that the Department is asking."

"We do need to get things right," the Minister of Transport said, "We have to make sure that if a project goes out, if you're giving public land across, if you're giving public money - you do have to make sure that the public benefits and that it is a viable and realistic project that does good for the region rather than end up not delivering and disappointing people."

Minister Ryan has called for a significant improvement to the business case that was submitted by the Board of Waterford Airport.

"There's been a very significant increase in the ask of the State. It was originally a €5 million investment for the State just in the security and safety measures. The Airport instead is looking for, effectively, a cash injection of €12 million, almost two and a half times that. There are a number of other issues around what would be needed in a business case. There's very significant land transfers."

Responding to allegations that the Green Party has looked to block the airport runway extension project, the Minister said, "There's been nothing coming from our party, or from our department which has been the blocker or the obstacle here."

"You do have to have something that's credible, thought through in the real detail and is viable. That requires a lot more work. So when we're asking hard questions and the correct questions, that's not saying no to development in Waterford. It's saying make sure we get it right, make sure that if something's going to be built - that it really does transform."