Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy McLoughlin for sharing time with me on this important issue.

As a result of the recession, funding for regional airports was cut drastically in budget 2010 by the previous Government. I am concerned that recent media reports indicate that Waterford Regional Airport may be an airport the Minister is considering closing. I would like to present some facts to the Minister. Waterford Regional Airport passenger numbers increased exponentially, from approximately 15,500 in 2002 to almost 112,000 in 2009. The Buchanan report states that 85% of businesses in the south east view direct air access to the region as being very important. Millions of euro have been spent on infrastructural investment to date at the airport and the local authorities have invested in additional servicing infrastructure, such as a better roads network.

I note from the value for money report prepared by the Department that Knock and Kerry airports are successful because they have the facility to land jet aircraft. Waterford Regional Airport was expected to receive additional investment, via the Transport 21 project, to extend the airport, but that funding was never forthcoming. This has put the airport at a serious disadvantage. Waterford Regional Airport is the only airport in the south east region and there is a strong economic argument for its retention. With Waterford City as the gateway city to the region, for balanced regional development and strategic infrastructure there is a strong economic argument for the retention of the airport for access to the region. It is the only regional airport in the country not in receipt of the PSO subvention.

I acknowledge the Minister faces huge challenges to balance the budget in his Department. However, the continuation of the regional airport will help to deliver economic development and growth in the region. I note from the recommendations of the value for money report that the operational expenditure for Waterford Regional Airport would continue, subject to an annual assessment of subvention. I hope the Minister can put to bed the concerns I, my constituents and people in the wider south east region have and that he will confirm that support will continue for Waterford Regional Airport for the reasons I have outlined.

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