asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that representations have recently been made to his Department for the operation of an Aer Lingus service to Killarney during the tourist season, and if he will state what steps have been taken to arrange for such a service, what improvements, if any, may be necessary in the Killarney airfield, and what possibility there is of the projects being put into operation this season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Service to Killarney.
I am aware that representation have been made about the operation by Aer Lingus of an air service to Killarney. The matter was referred to the company who stated that the operation of such a service would not be feasible and informed the owners of the airfield accordingly.
The airfield at Killarney is not at present suitable for the operation of regular air services. Airfields catering for regular services require, among other things, meteorological, air traffic control and radio facilities, and, in addition, full scale crash, fire fighting and first-aid equipment. Other work which would be necessary at Killarney would include the removal of obstructions to improve the approaches and the levelling of ground adjacent to the runway. The cost of these facilities and improvements would be substantial and would have to be met locally, as I regret that the circumstances would not justify any contribution from State funds.
In these circumstances, there would not appear to be any immediate prospect of starting regular services to Killarney.