John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding for an extension of the runway at Waterford Regional Airport in view of the difficulties that arise for industries in the city due to the lack of such a facility; the discussions he has had to assist in progressing this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26875/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The regional airports measure of the national development plan involves the provision of capital funding towards improvements and upgrades in facilities in order to maintain continued safe and viable operations at each of the regional airports. My Department provided €1.64 million in funding towards essential infrastructural improvements at the airport in the period 2001-04. A further €1.98 million has been allocated in support of nine separate projects including runway safety improvements, referred to above. This new round of projects will be undertaken at the airport between now and 2007. A number of safety related projects, including a runway-end safety area have been approved under the regional airports measure of the NDP. In appraising capital investment proposals, the priority is to focus on improvement works and upgrades in facilities that maintain continued safe and viable operations. The airport company has not sought funding under the NDP measure for the extension of the runway.