David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

I have raised with the Taoiseach dozens of times the need to fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport. Every time I raise it, he says he is supportive and that it is in the programme for Government but there is deep frustration in Waterford as we watch on and see funding given to Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Kerry and Donegal airports, while Waterford is left behind.

Last June I was told in a parliamentary question response by the Minister for Transport that all the information needed was with the Department and Minister. We now hear a new business case is being sought, which brings us back to square one and delays an announcement for years. I cannot overstate the disbelief and frustration in Waterford. What is going on and why is the Government not delivering on its promise to give Waterford a fighting chance to have commercial activity in Waterford Airport?

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