Waterford Sinn Féin TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness are calling on the Government to provide funding to Waterford Airport.
Government commitment was granted back in 2019, with commitment also given from private investors.
Though the airport is operational and is home to one of the Irish Coast Guard’s bases, the Airport to this day does not provide a commuter aircraft service.
Waterford Airport opened in 1981, with Ryanair operating its first scheduled flight four years later. More recently, the new programme for Government does have a commitment to the development of the airport.
In collaboration with the Bolster Group, Comer Group International announced that it will invest €12 million in Waterford Airport. The government is expected to match the investment.
Cullinane
Speaking to Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Seán Canney TD, Deputy David Cullinane said enough is enough when it comes to Waterford Airport.
“Minister, it seems to the people of Waterford and the South East that the application to fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport has been continuously delayed. I was at a meeting in 2019 with then-Minister Shane Ross, who committed to funding the runway extension, then estimated at five million euros. He acknowledged serious pushback from the Department of Transport, but he made the decision to proceed.
“Yet, here we are six years later, and still no funding. I’ve raised this with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and several Ministers for Transport. Every time, we hear the same vague reassurances under review.
“Meanwhile, Cork Airport received €200 million, which included runway upgrades, car park expansions, executive lounge improvements, and a duty-free extension. I don’t begrudge Cork their funding, but it’s hard to ignore the stark contrast. Waterford Airport needs a runway extension just to have a chance to bring in jet aircraft and restore vital connectivity to Britain and Europe.
“There’s a clear unfairness here. So let’s stop with the delays and vague promises. Will you fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport—yes or no?”
McGuinness
Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness raised his concerns, saying the people of Waterford and the Southeast deserve more.
“Minister, the government is stifling the economic potential of Waterford and the wider South East. That’s the simple truth. Every week this decision is delayed tightens the noose on our regional economy.
“We’ve been left waiting far too long for critical infrastructure that would unlock jobs, tourism, and growth, chief among them, the long-promised runway extension at Waterford Airport. Planning permission has been granted. Regional, local authority, and private funding are secured. The business case is clear. And still, the government refuses to act.
“Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has announced a €200 million capital injection into Cork Airport, including retail space and a refurbished executive lounge. Yet €12 million can’t be found for Waterford’s runway. Let’s be clear, Waterford doesn’t begrudge Cork its investment, but we resent being left behind.
“This is part of a wider pattern. The N25 remains dangerous and underfunded. The N24 is forgotten. Local roads like the R671 between Dungarvan and Clonmel are starved of investment. When it comes to the South East, it feels like the scales are not just unbalanced, the Taoiseach has his whole hand on them.
“Where’s the fairness in this? This isn’t regional balance, it’s regional bias. And it’s failing communities and businesses across Waterford, Kilkenny, and Wexford. So I ask you directly: Will you commit today to funding the long-awaited runway extension at Waterford Airport?”
Ministerial response
In response, Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Seán Canney TD, said the Government remains committed to Waterford Airport.
“This matter has been ongoing for some time, and I want to reaffirm the government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to progress the Waterford Airport runway extension project. On behalf of Minister Dara O’Brien, I welcome the opportunity to update the House on this matter.
“As you know, Waterford Airport is owned by Waterford Regional Airport PLC and General Aviation Services. It currently operates as a search and rescue base under a commercial contract with CHI Ireland. Unlike the local authorities in Waterford, Kilkenny, and Wexford, the Department of Transport holds no shareholding in the airport company and has no role in its commercial operations or future business planning.
“That said, Waterford Airport was eligible for exchequer funding under the Regional Airports Programme from 2015 to 2019. However, following a steep decline in passenger numbers, from a peak of 143,000 in 2008 to just 15,000 in 2016, scheduled passenger services ceased, which disqualified the airport from further programme funding, as such funding is tied to delivering connectivity through scheduled services.
“Despite this, the government recognised the airport’s financial difficulties and provided €1.5 million in emergency funding between 2017 and 2020 to prevent liquidation and allow time to explore future options, including a runway expansion. The proposal was first brought forward in 2018, and in June 2019, the government expressed support in principle, committing €5 million, subject to €2 million in local authority funding and €5 million in private investment, as well as the airport bearing any cost overruns. Full project details were also required for departmental appraisal.
“Unfortunately, those full details were not provided until December 2023. Following that, the department prioritised assessment of the updated proposal and accompanying documents, concluding in July 2024. The project’s cost has since risen from €12 million to €27 million, and the government’s contribution has increased from €5 million to €12 million. The proposal was assessed under the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework to ensure compliance with national infrastructure investment standards.
“That assessment was submitted in September 2024 to then-Ministers Ryan and Lawless, but no decision was made at that time. Minister Ryan is now reviewing the next steps and looks forward to engaging positively with Waterford Airport. Any further government support will depend on the outcome of that engagement and the completion of the appraisal process.”
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