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

I do not agree with Deputy Halligan's analysis regarding the risk of catastrophic consequences for either Waterford Airport or the other regional airports. The Deputy asked about the Government's response to the guidelines from the European Commission. As I stated earlier, we agreed with the guidelines that were being put out. I suppose we did that for larger reasons. It places new constraints on the ability of state bodies to invest in the kind of airports to which the Deputy refers. I believe that will create a level playing field within which airports such as Waterford will be able to prosper in the future because there will always be other governments and bodies which will have deeper pockets than a country such as Ireland which, in turn, could confer greater competitive advantage on the kind of airports with which Waterford is competing.

I assure Deputy Halligan that in the framework within which we operate in the European Union, we will do all we can to support the development of Waterford Airport. In fairness, this is something that is acknowledged by the management and board of Waterford Airport. I met the airport's manager recently and I look forward to having an opportunity to meet the board and management of Waterford Airport in Waterford Airport soon.

See this speech in context