asked the Minister for Transport and Power when it is intended to commence work on the construction of the new east-west runway at Dublin Airport which is necessary for the full utilisation of the airport.
Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Runway.
379.
The present runway system at Dublin Airport is over 25 years old and will need to be replaced within some years. The intention is to construct initially a new east-west runway to the north of the terminal area. At a later stage a second parallel runway to the south of the terminal area will be provided when traffic growth requires it.
The acquisition of the necessary land is in train and consultations are proceeding with the appropriate authorities about planning and related considerations. It is not possible at this stage to state when construction work on the new runway will commence but the indications are that the runway will be required before the end of the 1970's and planning is proceeding with this objective in mind. Meanwhile the existing runways are adequate.