asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) what were the reasons for the extension of the runways at Shannon airport rather than at Dublin airport, and (b) the estimated cost of the proposed extensions at Shannon, and the estimated cost of a similar extension at Dublin airport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport Runways.
Shannon was established as this country's transatlantic airport with the full support of the transatlantic operators and to meet their special needs, and it is the Government's policy to maintain that position. When these special needs required extended runway facilities, because of the introduction of new types of aircraft, it was only logical to provide them where they were required —at the country's transatlantic airport.
This country cannot afford two transatlantic airports and a decision in favour of Dublin would have meant the abandonment of Shannon, with the serious social and economic consequences which this would involve, as well as the provision at Dublin of an entirely new terminal building and terminal facilities at heavy cost.
The new works at Shannon airport are estimated to cost about £1,000,000. The cost of providing the necessary runway facilities at Dublin and a new terminal building if it were to replace Shannon would obviously be far greater.
Has an agreement with the American company been concluded for the transatlantic airline flights?
I do not know that that arises on this particular question.
It arises on the former question. The Minister had started to reply to this question before I got an opportunity of asking a supplementary question on the last question.
Negotiations have been concluded to-day, I understand.
Will the Minister make a statement to the House in the near future concerning the terms of the agreement?
I shall have to consider that. This agreement will involve arrangements with certain private interests and the extent to which the details of the agreement may be published will have to be discussed with them. The main provisions of the agreement are, I think, already known.
In 1952, when agreement was reached with the present company, the Minister made a fairly full statement to the House on the terms of the agreement. Is the Minister prepared to make a somewhat similar statement to the House in this connection?
In accordance with International Law, the main provisions of the agreement must be published.
I, too, want to ask a supplementary question in relation to Question No. 20. I welcome the Minister's assurance with regard to the future of Shannon airport. Is there any provision whereby the planes to be used on this new transatlantic service can be serviced at Shannon or at Dublin?
That seems to be an entirely new matter.
I should require notice of that question.
It is very wide.
The Deputy may take it that Shannon will be the base.
Under this proposed agreement, I think there is a two year limit to the service licence being issued by the American authorities.
I could not make a statement on an intergovernmental matter until the negotiations are concluded.