asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state in what way the facilities provided at Cork airfield are regarded as inadequate and how they compare with the grass airfield used in Britain by Aer Lingus and other lines for scheduled services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Air Facilities.
The facilities available at Cork airfield are inadequate for scheduled operations because they do not include meteorological and radio services, or sufficient approach, taxiway and runway lighting and a landing aid for use in instrument flying conditions. These facilities are available at the only grass airfield to which Aer Lingus operate scheduled services and the operations of the company to and from this grass airfield are confined to the summer months.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a number of private companies are anxious to operate scheduled air services from Cork without subsidy from the Government and that money is available to provide all the facilities required at Cork airfield if scheduled services from this centre are permitted by him; and, if so, if he will grant the necessary licence.
I am aware that some private companies have indicated that they are anxious to operate scheduled services from Cork without any State subsidy and that it has been stated that money is available to provide the facilities required at Cork for the operation of such services.
As I indicated in reply to a question by the Deputy on the 13th March the Aer Rianta report on the question of scheduled air services from Cork will be submitted to the Government with my observations and any statement in advance of this submission would be premature.