Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has added insult to injury this week by announcing a €200 million capital investment for Cork Airport—while still refusing to commit just €12 million to complete the runway extension at Waterford Airport.
The announcement, coming just days after Government unveiled a €2 billion Luas light rail plan for Cork, has caused deep frustration across Waterford and the South East. Once again, the region has been left behind—without a single cent of capital funding for the airport, without funding for long-overdue safety works on the N25, and with absolutely no investment for the N24 corridor.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, said the contrast in investment was “stark and shameful”:
“This Government has the money when it suits—but only if you’re in Micheál Martin’s backyard. The €200 million announced for Cork Airport this week dwarfs the €12 million needed to complete the Waterford runway extension, which has planning permission in place and regional funding secured. There’s no excuse for this delay. It’s a clear political decision to neglect Waterford.”
Deputy McGuinness paid tribute to the tireless work of his constituency colleague, Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, who has consistently advocated for fair investment in Waterford Airport and transport infrastructure across the region.
“Our message is simple: investment must be balanced, not politically skewed. The case for the runway extension and transport upgrades in the South East has been made —repeatedly. All we need is for the Government to listen and act.
“Instead, they’ve committed billions to Cork, while Waterford Airport is ignored, the N25 remains dangerous and underfunded, the N24 is left behind, and regional roads such as the R671 are passed over for funding. It’s not just unfair—it’s a strategic failure that undermines the entire South East.”
Deputy McGuinness said Sinn Féin is committed to delivering balanced regional development and ending the political favouritism that has undermined Waterford for decades:
“This isn’t just about transport. It’s about jobs, investment, tourism, and opportunity for our region. Sinn Féin will invest in the South East—not just talk about it. That starts with the runway extension, safety upgrades on the N25, and a proper plan for the N24.
“Micheál Martin’s announcement this week shows exactly where this Government’s priorities lie—and it’s not with Waterford.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 