asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the improvements which he indicated in June, 1973, in respect of the runways in Dublin Airport have been carried out; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Airport Runways.
42.
In my reply of 26th June, 1973, I stated that it was proposed to strengthen one of the existing runways by constructing an asphalt overlay on it. This work was carried out during the last quarter of 1974.
I should like to ask the Minister what the situation is with regard to the new runways at Dublin Airport?
That is dealt with in the next reply.
43.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the plans, if any, for improvements and extensions to runways at Dublin Airport.
There are no current plans for improvements or extensions to the existing runways at Dublin Airport apart from normal maintenance work and a proposal to provide higher standard approach and threshold lights on the main runway.
The existing runways are over 25 years old and will have to be replaced within some years. Plans for the future development of the airport provide for the construction of a new east-west runway to the north of the terminal area. At a later stage when the growth of traffic requires it, a parallel runway will be provided to the south of the terminal area. Present indications are that the first of the new runways will not be required before the end of the 1970s and planning is proceeding on this basis.
Can the Minister say if the actual siting of the new east-west runway has been finally settled?
No, not finally. Planning is going on at the moment.
Can the Minister assure me that this information is more accurate than when he assured me when I heard a Dublin restaurant was closing that it was only a rumour? The restaurant has since been closed.
If the Deputy looks back on my reply on that occasion, he will see that I did not assure him of that. It might be enlightening for the Deputy if he looked back on that reply.