asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether Shannon Airport will be fully capable of handling the DC-8 and Boeing 707 commercial jet airliners when they go into world service, and, if not, whether it is proposed to undertake an improvement programme at the airport in order to render it capable of handling such aircraft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Suitability of Shannon Airport for Jet Airliners.
It is my policy to keep abreast of any developments which are likely to affect the position of Shannon as a major international airport and I have naturally had regard to the latest information available about the proposed new commercial jet aircraft. I am examining the likely effects on, and the needs at, Shannon Airport.
Is the Minister aware that many of the spokesmen for the various airline services at the moment have made it quite clear that Shannon is now looked upon purely as a diversionary airport? In view of that outlook, or opinion, it is quite possible that when jet airliners come into operation Shannon will be bypassed altogether. Does the Minister not consider that now is the time to make the necessary arrangements to improve or extend the runways so that large jet liners in the transatlantic service will be facilitated?
That is one of the matters which are being specially examined at present.
Would the Minister not agree that the expenditure of £500,000 on a jet runway in Baldonnel for the sake of three jet planes for the Air Force would have been better spent on extending the runways in Shannon for commercial purposes?
That is another matter.
I think it is a very important matter because it shows the lack of co-ordination between the different Departments of State.
That is an entirely different matter.
It is a matter for the Department of Defence, not for me.