asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the number of years spent in carrying out meteorological tests at Farmer's Cross and Ahenesk, Midleton, with a view to selecting the most suitable site for Cork airport; (2) the total cost to the State of such tests, and (3) the result of the tests; further, if he will state the other considerations apart from suitability of site to which he alluded in his statement in the Dáil on 4th November, 1953, and whether it is now intended to select a site to which no meteorological tests have been applied or a site which has already been condemned due to the incidence of fog as stated by him in the Dáil in July, 1952, in respect to Farmer's Cross (Dáil Debates, Volume 133, column 1047).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Meteorological Tests.
(1) The meteorological tests in relation to Cork Airport were carried out at Ballygarvan and at Ahenesk. Observations were taken at both sites from 16th September, 1946, to 15th July, 1947. The station at Ahenesk was retained as a reporting station for general meteorological purposes and still exists.
(2) The total cost of operating the two stations from 16th September, 1946, to 15th July, 1947, was approximately £2,500.
(3) The results of the observations showed that meteorological conditions at Ballygarvan were less favourable for airline operations than those at Ahenesk.
Since 1947, as I explained to the House on the 4th November, 1953, navigational and landing aids have reached an advanced stage of development, and meteorological disadvantages can be overcome with their assistance to a greater extent than was the case in 1947. Other considerations which have to be taken into account in selecting an airport site are the distance of the site from Cork City, which is the main traffic centre in the area, suitability of ground for runways, clearness of approaches, and feasibility of installing lights and radio aids. The report of the Government, to which I referred in reply to a question by the Deputy on 21st October, will take into account all these considerations. Pending a decision by the Government, I am notin a position to say where the airport will be located.