Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
192. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if funding previously committed to for extending the runway at Waterford Airport has been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25226/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware in 2019 Government gave its approval, in principle, to provide Exchequer funds of €5m towards a €12m runway extension project at Waterford Airport. The proposal by Waterford Airport underwent an extensive assessment and it was decided, on balance, at that time, that the potential merits to the South East region justified the support of Government.
The Government decision was made on the basis that the construction of the runway extension and related works would be completed in summer 2020. Furthermore, any Exchequer contribution would only be paid when all upgrade works were complete and the runway confirmed to be ready for service by the IAA.
Given the changed circumstances in the context of the project timeline and the impacts of Covid19 on the aviation market and wider economy, any renewal of arrangements to commit Exchequer funds to this project will need to take cognisance of these changed circumstances as well as the enhanced obligations that are now in place under the revised Public Spending Code, which was published in December 2019.
I recently met with the Chair and management of Waterford airport and they are aware of this position.
