asked the Minister for Transport and Power what he proposes to do in regard to the project to construct an airstrip for the accommodation of freight planes in Monaghan parish on the land of Rossmore at Courtalvin Bridge under the Muintir na Tíre plan for exports of fruit and vegetables.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fruit and Vegetable Exports: Monaghan Airstrip Project.
27.
Following approaches from the Ballinode Guild of Muintir na Tíre and Monaghan County Council the site of the proposed airstrip in Monaghan Parish has been inspected by Technical Officers of my Department. The interests concerned with this development have been informed of the results of the inspection and of the works which they would have to carry out to meet safety requirements before a licence for regular operations could be granted. I understand that the Minister for Local Government has sanctioned expenditure by the Local Authority for the purposes of an engineering survey of the site.
The project relates to a private airstrip and my statutory functions are confined to the licensing provisions under the Air Navigation Regulations. I am concerned, nevertheless, to encourage enterprise for the carriage by air of perishable and speciality produce and the promoters can be assured of such technical assistance as my Department is in a position to give.
While appreciating the Minister's desire to give all the technical assistance possible, does there not come a time when the local people ought to be told whether this project is to go forward or not? The present position is that the parish council and other local persons are concerned to see this realised and are organising groups to use the facilities. Is there not some stage at which they ought to be told by the Minister for Transport and Power, as the co-ordinating authority of Government action in matters of this kind, what the prospects are of the strip in fact being used?
This relates entirely to a private airstrip. I have no responsibility except for licensing the area as a place suitable for aircraft to land and take off. In fact, our inspector has informed this local group of the amount of work that would have to be done to make the airstrip navigable for aircraft and the type of aircraft that could use it. An engineering survey is now being carried out by the local authority but I have not had the report from the local authority. Therefore, I cannot go any further until I get that report in facilitating the local group.
Would I be correct in saying that the present position is that the Minister is awaiting a communication from the County Council of Monaghan as to whether they are going forward with this proposal and, if so, in what form?
Yes.
Would the Minister not agree that he has the responsibility in the expenditure of public moneys to ensure that the airstrip will not contain rabbits running wild around the runway?
That is a separate question.