asked the Minister for Transport and Power if in view of the growing importance of the north-west and west of Ireland as tourist areas he will consider the establishment of an airport in the vicinity of Sligo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Airport Proposal.
40.
The establishment of a State airport in the vicinity of Sligo is not under consideration. I would, however, be prepared to assist local enterprise by making the technical advice of my Department available in relation to any scheme which might be proposed for the provision of facilities.
Would the Minister agree that in the event of any further State airport being established the immediate vicinity of Sligo should be considered as the natural position for it from a geographical and tourist point of view?
There is a case, speaking purely geographically, for the establishment of an airport in the north-west portion of the territory but, of course, many other factors arise— its economic value, the likely traffic that can embark and disembark there —all of which have to be studied before a decision is made. It is intended to continue with the present three airports for some time at least before any review of the matter is undertaken.