Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In November 2011, under the regional airports programme capital expenditure grant scheme, funds were allocated by my Department to Waterford Airport for the construction of a runway end safety area, RESA, which involves the purchase of land at the southern end of the airport to facilitate this work.

As indicated previously, the CPO process for the purchase of this land is already under way. As part of this process, the matter was referred for arbitration with a hearing scheduled for 26 August 2014. That hearing was postponed for reasons not relating to the airport and a new date has yet to be set.

Waterford Airport is making every effort to conclude the arbitration process. However, there are steps to be carried out under the CPO process which are outside their control. Once completed, the airport has confirmed that the land purchase and consequent creation of the RESA will be undertaken without delay.

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