Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2024
72. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve funding for the runway extension at Waterford Airport; if he will set out a timeframe for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39294/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his continued interest in the development proposal put forward by Waterford Airport and I am happy to share an update on the matter.
Since last raised by the Deputy, my Department has undertaken a detailed appraisal of the development proposal put forward by Waterford Airport. This appraisal has included the assessment of significant documentation and responses to queries raised by Department officials and addressed by the airport up until 17 July. This level of appraisal is necessary to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department’s “Transport Appraisal Framework” and the Government’s “Infrastructure Guidelines” (previously known as the Public Spending Code).
The Transport Appraisal Framework requires that in the transport sector, where the proposal has an estimated potential cost of €15m or more, the Sponsoring Agency (in this case Waterford Airport) must produce a Project Outline Document, to be reviewed by the relevant Approving Authority (in this case the Department of Transport). The purpose of the Project Outline Document is to outline the rationale for an intervention and the intended impacts; verify the alignment of the proposal with wider government strategy and policy; and describe the appraisal, governance, and financial approach.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has completed its assessment of the detail submitted by Waterford Airport in line with the Project Outline Document requirements. This assessment was recently submitted to both Minister Ryan and I for our consideration.
While I understand that the Deputy is seeking clarification on a timeframe for a decision to be reached on this matter, it is important that both Minister Ryan and I give this assessment our full consideration. Next steps will then be determined.
I wish to assure you that my officials have and will continue to keep Waterford Airport fully informed of where the project is in the appraisal process.
