Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is everybody's wish for Waterford airport to be a functioning, commercial and viable airport. That is our objective. We have to take many things into account when making a decision on this, including the long-term outlook, not just the short-term. We have to look at the Government's regional policy and decide on that basis whether investment is worthwhile or not. We also have to take into account the somewhat unique situation where there are private investors in county councils who volunteer to produce money to put into an airport of that size and who take risks with their investments. We must also consider that county councils have great faith in the benefits this would bring to the region. However, we cannot take imprudent decisions which will not, in the considered view of independent reviewers, ourselves and of experts, offer benefits to the region. We do not want to create a white elephant.

We have pondered this issue for a long time and have shown good faith in the project by providing €375,000 on two occasions. We do not want to close the airport and will give it every chance to succeed. However, we will take a decision on a very sensible and prudent basis in the coming weeks.

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