Vol. 516 No. 4
64 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the future use of Baldonnel Aerodrome as a passenger airport; the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of Public Enterprise in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8362/00]
A number of approaches have been made in recent times by private concerns regarding the possible commercial use of facilities at Baldonnel Aerodrome. My main concern, in examining these proposals, would be to protect the military aviation interests at the aerodrome. The question of extending usage of these facilities for hire or reward requires careful consideration as it may have implications regarding licensing of the facility for such use. However, the greater utilisation of this under used resource could have benefits for both military and civil aviation in Ireland.
The use of Baldonnel for civil aviation purposes is a matter for consideration by the Minister for Public Enterprise in consultation with myself in the context of overall airports policy generally. In that regard the recent report to the Minister for Public Enterprise and the Minister for Finance on the future of Aer Rianta did consider the possibility of a second airport in the Dublin area and this was considered in the context of Baldonnel Aerodrome.
