Regional Independent Group TD Matt Shanahan has said in his view Waterford is being played by the Government after what he described as ongoing delays to the proposed Waterford Airport runway extension.
Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, he said: "the bottom line is the runway extension is not happening".
After initially congratulating Tánaiste Micheál Martin for his party's local and European election results, Mr Shanahan noted a media event during the campaign with Fianna Fáil's successful Ireland South candidate Cynthia Ní Mhurchú at Waterford Airport.
Mr Shanahan said this occurred despite the extension not being completed yet, saying in his view "Waterford is being played by this Government".
He then raised a "brutally simple question" - asking to clarify if the Government will complete the airport extension "by the time of the next general election".
In reply, the Tánaiste said: "I've listened to the same Leaders' Questions from you for four years."
Mr Martin said that in his view Mr Shanahan was not taking into account the investment from the Government in Waterford and the wider southeast region.
Mr Martin said there has been a near 25% increase in IDA Ireland-supported companies coming to Waterford, a €170 million investment in Waterford's North Quays area and investment from Irish Rail.
In reply, Mr Shanahan said: "I don't want to accuse you of living in a parallel universe when it comes to Waterford."
