Neither the Minister for Transport nor the Junior Minister for Transport have contacted the board of Waterford Airport since assuming the roles.

That’s according to Waterford Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane.

Addressing Taoiseach Michael Martin in the Dail this afternoon, Deputy Cullinane has pleaded for the government to give the green light to a bridging loan that would pave the way for the runway extension.

No commercial flights have flown out of Waterford since 2016 and government funding has not yet been forthcoming despite a commitment to such in the current Programme for Government.

Deputy Cullinane says Waterford cannot afford for the project to be kicked down the road for another year.

“I’ve raised this several times with you over the last number of years. I spoke with a board member of the airport this morning – and he tells me that there has been no contact between the Minister, either the full Minister or the Junior Minister with the board. He tells me that a decision is needed very, very quickly, in fact, in the next number of weeks for the state funding to come. If that decision isn’t made favourably, then this year will be lost. We won’t have any works happening until the following year.”

“You know that that commitment was given back in 2019″, reiterated Deputy Cullinane. “I was at a meeting of Oireachtas members, as was Minister Butler at the time and others. Here we are in 2025, still no decision. You said in the past you’re supportive of this. I accept that – but we need to get it over the line. The funding has to be provided. Can I ask that you, as Taoiseach, directly intervene to ensure that we don’t lose a year and that funding is provided for Waterford Airport?”.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin offered this response.

“My understanding is that the minister is considering the issue.  I’ll talk to the Minister when he gets back and let you know.”

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