Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has strongly condemned recent comments made by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary about Waterford Airport, calling them “ill-informed” and a stark contradiction to his previous support for the airport’s development.
During a press conference in the UK, Mr O’Leary dismissed efforts to extend the airport’s runway, referring to those backing the project as “a bunch of local lunatics” and declaring that the airport had no economic future. His remarks have raised eyebrows, especially given his past backing of the initiative.
Ms Ní Mhurchú, who is a member of the EU Transport Committee, called out Mr O’Leary’s comments, noting that Ryanair had previously shown support for Waterford Airport’s development and its potential. Ms Ní Mhurchú said. “Such ill-informed statements have no place in serious discussions about the future of regional infrastructure in Ireland.”
Mr O’Leary’s comments came as local advocates push for government funding to extend Waterford Airport’s runway, a project they believe will bolster the region’s economic prospects and improve connectivity with Europe. However, the Ryanair boss’s dismissive attitude has added tension to the debate surrounding the airport’s future.
Ms Ní Mhurchú emphasised that Waterford Airport’s expansion is crucial for fostering economic development in the southeast of Ireland. “The extension of the runway would not only boost tourism but also enhance local business opportunities and create much-needed jobs in the region,” she stated.
Despite Mr O’Leary’s criticism, local leaders and stakeholders remain undeterred, continuing to argue that the project represents a vital step toward securing a sustainable future for the airport and the surrounding community.
