Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has sharply criticised the Government’s latest decision to exclude Waterford Airport from regional airport funding allocations — describing it as a “calculated and ongoing neglect of Waterford and the South East” — and has called on Government Ministers John Cummins and Mary Butler to “stop covering for this blatant disregard” and stand up for their county.
Today’s announcement saw nearly €8 million allocated to regional airports in the West and South West — while Waterford was left out once again, despite having planning permission, private investment, and local authority co-funding in place for the long-awaited €12 million runway extension.
“Let’s call this what it is — calculated neglect. Waterford Airport is ready to go. The project is costed, planned, and regionally backed. The missing piece is Government commitment,” said Deputy McGuinness.
“Instead, we see millions flowing to other airports while Waterford is passed over again. The runway extension would restore scheduled services and unlock real economic growth across the South East — but the Government continues to block it.”
Deputy McGuinness said the silence from Waterford’s Government TDs is no longer tenable.
“Minister Mary Butler and Minister John Cummins need to stop providing political cover for this ongoing snub. It’s not enough to issue soft statements after the fact — they’re part of the Government making these decisions. If they won’t fight for Waterford, who will?”
“David Cullinane and I have been campaigning relentlessly to secure this funding. Last week we jointly raised the issue again in the Dáil. The Minister’s excuses have run out. This is not a case of due process — it’s a failure of political will, and it’s costing Waterford jobs, investment and connectivity.”
He concluded:
“Government inaction is holding Waterford back. Cummins and Butler must now call a halt to this calculated neglect — and demand that Waterford gets its fair share.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 