Waterford TDs to put airport questions to the Minister for Transport

Waterford TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness have tabled a Dáil motion to raise Waterford Airport with the Minister for Transport.

The TDs submitted a Topical Issue motion to the Ceann Comhairle on Monday morning to schedule the issue for discussion this week.

Deputy Cullinane said that they want to know what steps the minister is taking and what engagements he has had to advance the project.

“We have tabled this motion on the first full week of the Dáil to raise the need for funding for Waterford Airport at the earliest opportunity. 

"The Government has had the summer months to advance the proposal and ensure that a final proposal is submitted, assessed, and funded as a matter of priority.

“We have submitted this motion to bring the Minister for Transport into the Dáil to outline the next steps and the engagement he has had with the stakeholders, and to stress the need for him to progress this decision urgently.

“I will be asking the Minister to ensure the funding application is prioritised. 

"The Government’s excuses for continued delays to funding for Waterford Airport are deeply frustrating. 

"It was 2019 when the agreement was given in principle.

"Last July, I was told that the Department had received the ‘full information to decide on the matter,’ but now we are waiting again on a new process and a new business case. 

"It is deeply frustrating to see funding awarded to airports in Cork, Dublin, and across the State, only for Waterford to be left behind,” said Deputy Cullinane.