Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I thank the Deputies. I feel and hear their frustration. The programme for Government commits to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government. The Government recognises the huge value of the aviation sector in supporting international connectivity, economic development, and tourism via our airports.

The Deputies will be aware that the infrastructure guidelines set out the value-for-money guidelines for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. The arrangements apply to all public bodies and all bodies in receipt of Exchequer capital funding. Some may argue that given the level of private investment being proposed to support this development, such due diligence is not required by the State. However, the rationale for, and objective of, any prospective private investor investing in the airport is likely to differ from that of the Government. It is reasonable to expect that the State would have its investment protected also. Compliance with state aid rules on funding to regional airports must also be considered.

I understand that the former Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy James Lawless, met with the airport management to discuss this matter. The current Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, has also had engagements with the Ministers of State, Deputies Mary Butler and John Cummins, on this issue and also looks forward to positive engagement with Waterford Airport on this matter. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, will be taking it up further.

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