asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has considered the special geographical position and suitability for site for an airport at Midleton, County Cork; and if he will state when he will be in a position to provide one there, so as to compete with similar services and developments in other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Suggested Airport at Midleton.
asked the Minister for Defence if in view of the possibility of conditions of national emergency, and the special suitability of Midleton, County Cork, as the site of an airport, he will take steps to secure that funds are made available so that the necessary operations may be commenced.
I propose to take Nos. 4 and 8 together.
I have on previous occasions referred to my desire that an aerodrome of first class standard should be available at Cork for the purpose of civil aviation. The provision of such an aerodrome I regard as primarily the responsibility of the local authorities; the possibility of a condition of national emergency does not affect this view.
From my Department's discussions with the local representatives it became clear, however, that there was no immediate prospect of the establishment of an aerodrome without substantial assistance from the State. The Government have now approved of such assistance from State funds subject to the necessary financial support being forthcoming from the local authorities and I am about to issue an invitation to the local authorities to re-open discussions. In these discussions the site at Midleton will be borne in mind, the cost of land acquisition and development being important factors.