asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what was the nature of experts' reports on Ballygarvan and Ahanesk as possible sites for the proposed Cork airport, and why Ballygarvan was selected in preference to Ahanesk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Airport
Ballygarvan was selected because it was reported to be superior to any other possible site in the Cork area in respect of proximity to Cork City, suitability of ground for the necessary runways, clearness of approach and feasibility of installing lighting and radio aids. It was reported that on the Ahanesk site the grades on the runways would be severe as the ground is undulating, and that the approaches from the north and north-east, which pass over a range of hills attaining a height of 600 feet, would frequently be hazardous in the weather conditions prevalent in the area. Meteorological conditions at Ballygarvan were found to be less favourable than at Ahanesk, but any disparity between the two sites which arises from meteorological conditions can be nullified to a great extent by the use of up-to-date navigation and radio aids.
Would the Minister inform us when they will start work at Ballygarvan?
I wonder is the Minister aware of two sentences which appear in the experts' report, to which I have referred, with relation to the suitability of Ahanesk:—
"We are quite satisfied that on this site Cork has an airport adequate for both present and, as far as can be foreseen, future requirements, in suitable surroundings and within easy reach of the city. We believe this to be the only site on which a practicable and entirely satisfactory aerodrome could be made at moderate expenditure and within a reasonable period of time."
Was it Deputy Corry who wrote that out for the Deputy?
The Deputy can stand on his own feet.
The position so far as the Minister for Industry and Commerce is concerned is that, in a matter of this kind, he has to be guided by the technical experts who are employed by him for the purpose of advising him as to what is the best site for an airport, having regard to all the conditions which must be taken into consideration, including the essential condition of the safety of the passengers who will use the airport. In this particular case both my predecessor and I have come to the conclusion that the Ballygarvan site is the most suitable site having regard to the reports made to us by competent technicians who have inspected the area for the purpose of ascertaining the most suitable site; and the only safe and sensible thing that a Minister for Industry and Commerce can do in the circumstances is to rely on the sound technical advice which he gets from persons who have no personal axe to grind and who are concerned only with discovering what appears to be the best site having regard to all the circumstances involved. I am sure the Deputy will understand that neither I nor any other Minister can act on the advice of technicians in transit who take a hurried glance at a prospective airfield and then give an interview to a newspaper and say they are satisfied, after this cursory inspection, that it is the most suitable site.
When will work start on the site?
Much sooner than it would if the Deputy were over here.
Mr. Lemass
You have lost a couple of years now.