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

I am aware of the challenges Waterford Airport faces. Its passenger numbers last year were 28,169, which is a notable decrease on where they had been historically. Currently, the airport operates two services a day to Birmingham and Manchester with Flybe. I also note that it has suffered the withdrawal of some services, which provides the background to why this issue is being examined.

Waterford Airport has advised my Department that the airport board is committed to providing the necessary funds from local sources to fund the laying of an additional 150 m of runway and indications we have received from the chairman are that its target is €500,000 in relation to all of this. In light of the efforts that are being made in this matter by the airport board and by private sector stakeholders and local authorities in the region, my Department has confirmed to the airport our commitment to fund this piece of work and the associated purchase of land. As background, I should say that between 2013 and 2014 more than €900,000 in Exchequer funding has already been allocated to the airport for safety and security related projects.

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