Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Shanahan. It was a very positive visit to Waterford Airport and to celebrate 20 years of the search and rescue service there. To reiterate what I said when I visited the airport, the commitment from the Government to help fund a runway there still stands. There are conditions around that, of which everyone is aware, regarding a proposal coming from Waterford Airport in respect of private investors. We await the outcome of that. Developments in that regard sound positive on the basis of the Deputy's account. As he is aware, we have to go through the public spending code, as does every project. This is public money. I await the proposal, and I look forward to that for Waterford Airport.

The continuation of search and rescue services in Waterford is critical. We have seen the value of it. The event I attended was a wonderful occasion to mark the Trojan work, dedication and commitment of all those involved in search and rescue and all the volunteers, and, of course, to remember those who lost their lives in the act of rescuing or being rescued. I reiterate my commitments on the importance of search and rescue services and in respect of working with Waterford Airport in respect of the Deputy's plans.