asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any proposals for the establishment of an airport in the north-west; and if he is prepared to arrange for talks with the Northern Ireland authorities for the establishment of such an airport which would greatly facilitate the tourist trade and Irish emigrants returning on holidays.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Airport in North-West.
13.
Proposals have been made to me from time to time for the establishment of an airport in the north-west as well as in many other parts of the country. As I indicated in my speech on 28th November, 1962, introducing the Estimate for my Department—Column 257 of the Official Report of the Debates—I believe that the country is now adequately served with major airports, having regard to traffic potential and the rights available for economic service. The Exchequer commitment to the operation of airports is substantial and before any further capital investment in airports can be undertaken, the concentration must be on the problem of achieving economic operation of those already in existence. In these circumstances, the provision of further airports would be a matter for local enterprise. I would, however, be happy to make available the technical advice of my Department to any group interested in the provision of such local facilities. There would not appear at present to be a need for talks with the Northern Ireland authorities, but if there was a definite project of an economic nature and of mutual interest, this possibility would not, of course, be ruled out.