The five million euro funding is dependent on the Airport being able to demonstrate that the project can be delivered for the estimated amount of €12 million.

The contribution will only be paid when all upgrade works are completed and the runway is confirmed to be ready for service by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Eddie Mulligan said this appears to be another example of a crucial Waterford project being kicked into touch.

John Halligan says that is not the case and said Eddie Mulligan was out of sync with the Airport Board and the Investors.

He says the Fianna Fail Councillor needs to wise up in politics and start promoting Waterford rather than running down what is happening.

Eddie Mulligan said for the Waterford Oireachtas members to all publicly welcome this announcement is baffling to him and once again the Government are showing that they can pull the wool over John Halligan’s eyes, and the rest of them will follow blindly behind.

John Halligan says that is not the response from Eddies party colleagues and accused him of being completely out of touch.

The Minister of State also said there is no issue surrounding the conditions of the five million euro capital funding for the Waterford Airport Runway Extension.

There had been calls for flexibility by the Department in relation to the Airport being able to demonstrate that the project can be delivered for the estimated amount of €12 million.

John Halligan says all parties involved are happy with the deal.