asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will say what it would cost to provide the meterological station at Cork airfield that he regards as necessary before scheduled air services can be operated from Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Air Service.
The nature and extent of the meteorological facilities which it would be necessary to provide at an airport in Cork would depend on the nature of the air services which it was proposed to operate. The minimum meterological facilities would involve the provision of equipment costing about £1,300 and the employment of staff whose salaries would amount to about £1,500 a year. Other incidental expenses, such as staff transport and expendable equipment would probably amount to about £500 a year. Office furniture would probably cost a minimum of £500. If the construction of special buildings to house the equipment and staff were necessary the minimum cost would be £2,500.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is now in a position to state whether his Department is prepared to permit a regular air service to be operated from the Cork airfield.
As I stated in reply to the Deputy's question on 4th July, 1951, I have the question of the operation of regular air services from Cork under consideration. I am awaiting a report from Aer Rianta in the matter, but the Deputy will appreciate that there are many factors to be examined in relation to the traffic available and the facilities which might be necessary at the airport.
Is the Minister not aware that Aer Lingus has adopted a dog in the manger attitude in respect to air services to Cork? They will not undertake them themselves and will not permit other companies or the Cork Airways Company to inaugurate their own services.
I do not agree altogether with what the Deputy has said. Aer Rianta have been asked to report on the problems involved in the operation of regular air services from Cork, but I should make it clear to the Deputy that I would strongly disapprove of any proposal to introduce regular air services by private companies on that route, at least until the possibility of operating those services by Aer Lingus has been fully explored.
Yes, but in this particular area an airfield which has been licensed for chartered services was established by private enterprises and they endeavoured for a number of years to get permission to operate chartered services from that field, and every obstacle which could be put in their way has been put in ther way both by this Government and the previous Government.
As far as I am concerned I want to be quite clear. As long as the present position continues I would wish to see all chartered services in this country and with Great Britain operated by Aer Lingus.