Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says the ball is back in the court of the Board and the developers when it comes to Waterford Airport.
Speaking in Waterford at the weekend, Minister Ryan told WLR that what has been presented "is not a business case."
The former Green Party Leader has described the proposal as 'an outline document' that 'raises a lot of questions as to the viability of the project'.
Minister Ryan stated his belief that if the matter is to move forward, then a more robust case must be presented.
"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. 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 outlined multiple concerns in relation to what he has branded the 'outline document'.
"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."
He outlined what he feels needs to be put forward in order for the runway extension proposal to be given the green light.
"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."
You can hear the full interview with the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan coming up on Deise Today from 10am this morning.
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