Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his frank response to my query. My fears have more or less been confirmed. I agree that safety and security must be a priority in any airport and this should remain the case. I acknowledge there are no contractual commitments, but the airport has made serious progress on its planning and proposals to develop its runway and to extend and widen it to allow the full potential of the airport, and by extension the region, to develop.

We hear all the time about balanced regional development, accessibility and infrastructure. I am speaking about one of the key infrastructural deficits in the south-east region and I am saddened to hear there is a serious rowing back by the Government and no clear commitment of funding for the extension and widening of the runway. The tour of Transport 21 and the announcements of what it would do throughout the country brought great hope to the regions, but for Waterford and the south-east region that hope will not be carried through by Government action and resources for the airport. This makes a sad day for Waterford and the south-east region. I urge the Minister of State to ensure this is reconsidered at the earliest opportunity when the budget allows for it.