The Department of Transport have sought an additional business case for a proposed runway extension at Waterford Airport.
Delegates from Waterford City and County Council met with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien in Dublin yesterday – as did counterparts from Kilkenny and Wexford and a number of government TDs.
No commercial flights have flown from Waterford Airport since 2016 as €12m worth of government investment is sought to compliment previously secured private investment for a runway extension that would facilitate larger aircraft.
Sinn Fein TD for Waterford, David Cullinane said:
“The Government is setting itself up for failure by delaying a decision on the runway extension at Waterford Airport. This is a critical infrastructure investment for the economy of Waterford and the southeast, and every time the Government delays a decision the costs increase further.”
“The Minister for Transport received all necessary information last June to make a decision on the runway. It received a business case over a year ago and received further information last April and May. Now they are requesting a new business case, which could delay the decision for another year.”
“This is a very disappointing decision. All three local authorities are ready to go. Private investment is ready to go. All that is needed now is the State’s funding commitment, but the Minister for Transport is dragging his feet and making the Council jump through hoops while he delays a decision.”
“There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to deliver this. We have heard time and again of people’s personal commitments to this project – but we still do not have a decision. The time for talk is long over. We need actual delivery, not more promises.”
“Business cases, submissions and clarifications have been given time and time again. While the Minister says he is supportive, we are still waiting for a positive announcement. What we need is the Government to urgently honour its commitment and provide the funding. No more fudge or excuses.”
His party colleague and fellow Waterford TD, Conor McGuinness added: “This is disappointing but not surprising. Yesterday’s so-called crunch meeting with the Minister for Transport was just more stalling – another attempt to kick the Waterford Airport project to touch. Earlier this week I wrote to the Minister and yesterday I spoke to him – making it clear that anything less than full commitment to the runway extension won’t wash with the people of Waterford – people who are sick of endless delays. Now we’re told a new business case is needed. But the Department has had business cases and detailed plans for years. Successive Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent Ministers let them gather dust and did nothing.”
“Meanwhile, the cost keeps rising with construction inflation. Delay is costing more by the year – this project would have been cheaper six years ago. This isn’t just about a runway. It’s about jobs, regional growth, and proper connectivity. And while Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Independents stall, I ask again – what are Waterford’s two government TDs, Mary Butler and John Cummins, actually doing? People want delivery – not excuses. I will keep working to advance the case for state funding for this necessary and worthwhile capital project. “
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