asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if there is any foundation for the report that it is proposed to build a base for military jet planes at Baldonnel and, if so, if he will make a statement giving particulars of the purpose and cost of this proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Base for Military Jet Planes.
Baldonnel Aerodrome is liable to be non-operational for long periods each winter owing to the water-logged condition of the ground. With a view to modernising and improving the facilities at the aerodrome, it has been decided to provide concrete runways there. Such runways are necessary for the efficient, all-the-year-round operation of our aircraft. The new runways will be suitable for the operation of jet aircraft if and when such aircraft are acquired for the Air Corps. The cost of the project is estimated at about £600,000.
Has the land for the extension been acquired yet?
That is under consideration at the moment. Certain portions have been purchased.
Can the Minister say under what heading in the Estimates it is proposed to provide payment for any land acquired this year?
There is an allowance under our own Estimate of a restricted sum, £28,000 I think, for the purchase of land.
Does the Minister consider that will be adequate?
It is very doubtful if it will be.
Did I understand the Minister yesterday to say in respect of the cost of this project that it was not included in the Estimates for the current year and that it was not proposed to introduce a Supplementary Estimate?
Not in relation to the question of the purchase of land.
That is a separate one, but the general cost?
I spoke about the runways. I have since had an investigation of the whole situation arising out of the discussion which took place and I find that there is a token Estimate, or whatever you like to call it, of about £50,000 in the Office of Public Works Estimate. They are the people who will be carrying out the undertaking. We are not responsible in any respect beyond the question of the purchase of land. Industry and Commerce and the Office of Public Works are carrying out the project proper.
Can the Minister state whether £50,000 will be sufficient to cover the amount that will be expended during the current year?
That, again, is doubtful. We hope to be in a position to start at the end of December. If we do start at the end of December it is just questionable whether there will be enough between that and the 31st March next. However, a Supplementary Estimate will cover us.
I thought there was going to be none.