Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
581. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to support Waterford Airport following the ending by an airline (details supplied) of its Waterford to Luton service; his plans to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15878/16]
View answerI understand that Waterford Airport is in detailed discussions with a number of airlines with a view to securing a replacement carrier to provide services on routes that have recently been lost.
Waterford Airport has received substantial Exchequer support under the Regional Airports Programme that is administered by my Department. This Programme also supports the other three regional airports in Counties Donegal, Mayo and Kerry in the implementation of necessary safety and security related projects.
Over the past five years, Waterford Airport has received €9.6 million in operational and investment support from my Department and in April of this year, a further €157,500 in grant aid was approved for a number of security related projects, including new X-Ray equipment, at the Airport.
Development projects which are designed to expand capacity are a commercial matter for the airports themselves. In the case of the proposed runway extension at Waterford, I understand that the Airport authorities are pursuing local interests for funding in relation to that project.
