Joe Conway (Independent)

I welcome the Taoiseach. There has been a lot of talk about world issues but my issues are strictly parochial. As the Taoiseach knows, Waterford Airport is being progressed using private funding. This is a good news story for the south east. I do not want to pre-empt the discussions of my former colleagues in Waterford City and Council, but it is not all good tidings and hoorays because the airport development will necessitate realignment of the R708. That is going to cost the council €800,000. I wonder if, through his good offices, the Taoiseach could find €400,000 of loose change in the Department of Transport.