John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On countless occasions I have raised the IDA's abysmal record in attracting foreign investment into Waterford. It is widely recognised that one of the key deficiencies in the south east when it comes to companies locating there is the lack of a university and the underdevelopment of Waterford Airport. The Minister's Department pledged the €400,000 grant towards the extension in 2011 only to be frozen after Aer Arann's decision to pull out of Waterford. I understand the current funding is subject to a further €850,000 being raised by Waterford County Council and private investors. This infrastructure, while limited, could be vital to Waterford Airport attracting a direct service to London which was previously used by more than 80,000 passengers per year. As it stands Flybe has committed to Waterford Airport until the end of the year, at least, after which the airport's future is unclear. This infrastructure would pave the way for additional expansion into the future to bring all types of jet aircraft into Waterford, which can only be beneficial to a city already under tremendous economic pressure.

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