One Waterford TD accuses another of ‘claiming credit’ for airport announcement

One Waterford TD has accused another of trying to “claim credit” for a recent announcement related to Waterford Airport.

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane made the comments on social media following the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026.

While Waterford Airport was not included in the programme, it was mentioned in the Government announcement.

In the last line of a statement issued to the media, the Department of Transport said: “It is expected that Waterford Airport will become eligible for supports during the lifetime of the programme when scheduled passenger services return.”

Fine Gael TD and Minister of State John Cummins welcomed the announcement of the programme and highlighted the mention of Waterford Airport.

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Minister Cummins said: “This is important clarity from the Department of Transport that Waterford Airport is expected to become eligible for funding similar to other regional airports once fully operational.

“Although Waterford Airport is not eligible under the 2026 programme as it does not yet have scheduled passenger services, I will ensure that funding is provided at the earliest possible opportunity and part of Budget deliberations once scheduled passenger services are confirmed for the airport.”

He also outlined his engagement with Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke over the FDI screening process of the airport’s private investor, US billionaire Kelcy Warren.

“I’m delighted to confirm that another important milestone came to pass recently whereby my Fine Gael colleague Minister Peter Burke signed off on the FDI investor screening process following engagement with my local government and planning officials.

“This is a really exciting time for Waterford Airport, and I wish the project team well with the runway expansion plan.

“I also welcome the circa €2 million currently being invested in the R117 base at Waterford Airport which is now operated by Bristow Ireland on behalf of the Irish Coastguard, under contract from the Department of Transport.”

Minister Cummins concluded by reiterating his support for the airport’s runway extension and redevelopment.

“I have always said that I will work with the new airport owner, management and stakeholders to ensure financial support is forthcoming to develop and maintain new route development from Waterford Airport.

“As a member of Government, I look forward to ensuring the Regional Airports Programme delivers the necessary support to sustain scheduled passenger services at Waterford Airport.”

In the aftermath of these comments, Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane took to social media to criticise the Government’s handling of the airport.

Deputy Cullinane posted: “Years of Government neglect left Waterford Airport starved of funding and now Minister John Cummins wants to claim credit for ‘clarity’ that the airport might receive Government funding at some unspecified time in the future if commercial passenger services resume.

“Yes, it is welcome that the Department says Waterford Airport may be able to access capital funding in future, once passenger flights return.

“But let us be honest, Minister Cummins and this Government stalled plans, dragged their heels, and left the door open for a private investor to step in where the State failed.”

He concluded by describing the Government’s support for Waterford Airport as “abysmal”, adding that the South East deserves proper support.