Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for hearing the Adjournment matter. This issue refers to regional airports, specifically Waterford regional airport and the southeast region.

Waterford regional airport has increased its passenger numbers each year, it has developed new European destinations and routes and a huge effort has been put into increasing and developing accessibility to the region, and improving connectivity to other cities and regions in Europe. The airport undertook a proposed runway extension and widening plan, which is needed to develop its full potential. Under capital projects announced under Transport 21, €22.3 million was allocated to Waterford, of which €13 million was allocated to the runway extension and widening programme. The airport has a €27 million investment plan that is dependent on the allocation from capital projects in Transport 21.

Waterford regional airport is a key part of regional infrastructure and there have been deficits up to now, due to accessibility issues in the region. In Government policy, balanced regional development and access to the regions is clearly prioritised. Waterford regional airport plays a huge role in improving access to the region and connectivity to other regions. It is in that context I framed my Adjournment motion, because the recent budget announcement said there were six airports and the grant aid was to be capped at €11 million in 2009. It also stated it was restricted to existing contractual commitments and the Department is to review the level and phasing of investment programmes in the long term.

I ask for clarification, and I hope the Minister of State can confirm today, that this budget announcement will not affect the allocation previously identified and given to Waterford Regional Airport under the capital projects of Transport 21. There is huge concern in the city and in the general southeast region that the proposed expansion plans for Waterford regional airport will be adversely affected and that this will have the knock-on effect of scuppering the major investment plans for the airport. This will have an impact across the business, public and other sectors. We are trying to develop the economy of the south-east region and the airport is a pivotal element of that economy. I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's response and thank him for coming to the House to hear the motion.