asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a small inexpensive airport at Cork would meet the requirements of that area, particularly in view of the development of the helicopter; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Air Facilities.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the minimum facilities required to be provided at the Cork licensed airport at Farmer's Cross, to enable him to permit a temporary daylight summer scheduled air service to be operated from Cork in addition to the existing chartered services.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 1 and No. 2 together.
I do not agree that a small, inexpensive airport at Cork would meet the requirements of that area for scheduled air services but I will not be in a position to make a statement on the matter until I have an opportunity of considering the results of the examination to which I referred in my reply to questions in Dáil Eireann on the 15th July. The question of the use of helicopters will be taken into account in my consideration of the matter.
The operation of a scheduled air service using Farmer's Cross airfield would require the provision of meteorological and communications services and also of radio and visuallanding aids for use in instrument flying conditions.
Are we to take it that unless a big, elaborate scheme, costing millions of pounds, to be contributed by the taxpayers, is put up, no consideration will be given to the matter and that when we are told to endeavour to encourage private enterprise, it is all moonshine?
I will not approve of the use of any airfield for scheduled aircraft services unless it is safe to use it.
Will the Minister assure us that nothing but the best is good enough for Cork?
Is it a fact that the Minister has to get sanction from some authority outside the country before he can permit the use of an airfield?
No, there is no truth in that.
There are international standards?
There are international standards but only, for transatlantic or inter-European airports.