Waterford TD calls on Government to push funding for airport

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has on the Government called for a clear directive on the future of Waterford Airport.

The Waterford deputy raised the issue in The Dáil days after Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's controversial comments about the airport.

Deputy Cullinane said: "Today I raised with the Tánaiste Simon Harris the need to urgently progress the development of the runway at Waterford Airport. There is no room for further delay.

"Clear commitments were given during the election campaign by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael which now need to be delivered on.

He stated that a timeframe was needed for the much-delayed project.: "Certainty is needed now on funding for the project, and a clear timeframe for delivering the runway extension. The Government should be clear and unequivocal that the funding that is needed will be delivered.

He 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."

Currently, the airport and local authorities are seeking a public investment of €12 million to make the airport's runway suitable to receive jet airplanes.

Last weekend, Mr O'Leary referred to supporters of the airport as 'local lunatics' and stated that the development 'has no commercial or economic future' before adding  'but we wish them well'.