Outgoing Green Party TD stands by his stance on Waterford Airport
Marc Ó Cathasaigh at the count centre in Waterford. Photo by Joe Eavans
The Green Party’s Marc Ó Cathasaigh has said he stands by his stance on the expansion of Waterford Regional Airport.
The Green Party have been perceived to be against the expansion of the airport, but this was a major issue for voters on the doorsteps.
The Waterford News and Star asked Mr Ó Cathasaigh at the General Election count centre at SETU if he would do anything differently now.
“No. I made the consistent line all the way through. I don’t think that the business case was ready for the investment that was needed. I know the steps that have to be gone through for the public spending code, and I’ve read the business case and the departmental assessment. That wasn’t ready to go.
“I also served on the public accounts committee, and week after week, people were made answerable for the spending of Government money. We are talking about a substantial spend of government money here, and with that kind of investment, there is a responsibility to have your documents and your house in order," said Mr Ó Cathasaigh.
But, Mr Ó Cathasaigh did say there were opportunities for Waterford.
“The really big opportunity here in Waterford is off-shore wind. Now, it is contentious, so I do think it cost me votes. But we are talking about investment into the 100s of millions, and we are not just talking about the primary investment, we are talking about the maintenance and installation, but the jobs of the future are going to land in clean energy, and I think if Waterford puts up its hand and takes advantage of this clean energy future, there is an enormous opportunity," he said.
“I also think the future of SETU. That is mission-critical as well, and we need to see capital investment. I would like to see them get in on teacher training, and I that is a place the college themselves want to go. Then thirdly, transport. Bus connects are going to be introduced in Waterford. That is an investment of several million as well, which should ease congestion," he added.
"But we have seen elsewhere that this is contentious as well, and we need political bravery and leadership that we provide public transport that keeps our city moving rather than giving into more populist interests."
