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

I agree with Deputy Halligan that regional airports play an exceptionally important role in delivering balanced development across the country. The Deputy has in the past raised with me the issue of the lengthening of the runway at Waterford Airport and I followed up on that matter in anticipation of this question here today. My Department has been advised that the airport board is committed to raising the necessary funds from local sources to fund the laying of an additional 150 metres of runway.

I appreciate that the Deputy has acknowledged the considerable success that the board and management of Waterford Airport have had recently but I acknowledge, too, the recent success that they have had in securing a replacement for the Waterford-London Luton route which became operational on 27 April. This route will operate seven days a week between Waterford and London Luton. They will also operate a mid-morning Waterford to Birmingham service four days per week. I can assure the Deputy that, through the regional airport programme on which we are working with the European Commission, I aim to provide a platform within which the needs of airports such as Waterford can be responded to.

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