John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Senator O'Hara to the Chamber. I have not had the pleasure of speaking with him yet. There are probably a few disappointed Members of the House because I think he will challenge them for the title of best dressed Senator going forward.

This is my third time calling for a debate on national aviation policy. An engagement with the Minister has still not been ordered. We need a debate on aviation policy. There are a whole host of issues, not least in Dublin Airport but also in Waterford where the airport has submitted a business case to the Department seeking €7 million in addition to the €5 million allocated by the previous Government to widen and lengthen the runway. This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the south-east region. Private sector investment of €12 million is on the table. The business case was submitted to the Department prior to Christmas. I know there has been engagement between Department officials and the airport but a decision needs to be made in early course because the ground works at the airport must be carried out in good weather. This leaves a window of between now and September in which the go-ahead has to be given for this critical investment. Some €12 million of private sector investment is on the table and the Government is being asked to come up with an additional €7 million. I would like to have the Minister appear in the House to discuss that and other issues of national aviation policy.