Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, will discuss the expansion of Waterford Airport with EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen in a one-to-one meeting this evening [Tuesday, October 22], and criticised Minister Eamon Ryan for not meeting with her to discuss the issue.
Ms Ní Mhurchú, who sits on the EU Transport Committee, said one of the first issues she will raise with the EU President is the reopening and funding of Waterford Airport.
“In light of the green agenda, there has been an overall reluctance by the European Commission to invest in our regional airports,” she said.
“This disproportionately impacts on an island like Ireland where air connectivity is vital for our rural economy,” added the MEP, but said that she will “stress to Ms Von Der Leyen that Ireland is a special case when it comes to investing in regional airports given that we are a predominantly rural island on the periphery of Europe”.
During the meeting with EU President Von Der Leyen, Ní Mhurchú said will be raising issues around low farm incomes in Ireland, the position of the Irish language, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“The keys to the airport are in the hands of Minister Ryan but he just isn’t interested,” said Ms Ní Mhurchú and expressing criticism of Minister for Transport Eamon RyanTD, said: “I am calling on Minister Ryan to progress the investment that is on the table at Waterford airport.”
She is due to meet with management of Ryanair next week and has committed to discuss the future of Waterford Airport.
“Ryanair have expressed an interest in operating from Waterford airport and now is the time to strike as Dublin airport is turning away flights,” she said.
“It may be [Minister Ryan’s] last action in office,” she added.
“A newly reopened Waterford airport could benefit from this crisis at Dublin airport. ”
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Publish date : 2024-10-22 12:09:00
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