asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the resurfacing of the runway at Dublin Airport has yet been completed; if he is satisfied with the work to date; and if he will give the cost of the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Airport Runway.
5.
The resurfacing of Runway 06/24 was completed last October. Regarding the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the statement issued by my Department and published in the public press on 24th January, 1967, which fully explains the position. The final cost of the resurfacing has not yet been determined but it is of the order of £125,000.
Does the statement in the public press referred to by the Minister explain the mistake that occurred in the resurfacing, the fact that incorrect material was used?
I do not agree that there was a mistake; I admit that there were representations made by the Air Pilots Association. As a result of an examination, it was decided to do some extra work in the form of special surfacing but I have every reason to believe that the surface of the runway was quite safe. It was a matter of disagreement between two groups of people but it has been satisfactorily solved by what might be described as optimum treatment of the runway.
Does the Minister think it a satisfactory state of affairs that the Air Pilots Association should have to keep a close eye on the state of the runway of Dublin Airport, among their other duties, and should have to bring the Minister's attention to it?
Airline pilots associations all over the world take the most intensive interest in everything relating to landing aids at airports. They make representations, not only in regard to airports but also in regard to flying conditions and these representations are always considered by individual airport authorities as well as by the international organisations concerned.
It is a good job that in this case the Airline Pilots Association did draw the Minister's attention to the matter.
I disagree.