asked the Minister for Transport and Power the position regarding the construction of the new runways at Dublin Airport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Airport Runways.
44.
Mr. R. Burke
(Cavan): Plans for the development of Dublin Airport provide for a new east/west runway to the north of the terminal area as well as a second parallel runway to the south of this area when traffic growth requires it. The acquisition of the necessary land for the proposed runways is in train. It is not possible at this stage to state when construction work on the first of the new runways will commence but present indications are that the runway will not be required before the 1980s.
Mr. R. Burke
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable agitation about the fact that the Department had this land which is high agricultural land, which is not being properly used, leaving aside the building of the runway?
(Cavan): I am not so aware that there is agitation as suggested by the Deputy.
Mr. R. Burke
Is the Minister aware that there will be a need for this runway well in advance of the 1980s? The Minister's predecessor implied that it would be built before the end of the 1970s. Apparently now it will be in the 1980s and if there are many more changes in personnel in that office it will go into the 1990s. Is there any possibility of having it built before then? There is a major noise problem in the town of Swords which would be alleviated if the runway was changed.
(Cavan): The Deputy's fears are not justified. Since myself and my predecessor took office we took steps towards clearing 700 acres of land necessary for the construction of the runway in question. 400 acres have been acquired since 1974 and another 100 acres are being adjudicated on as to price by the arbitrator at the moment, and the remaining 250 acres are under active consideration.
Mr. R. Burke
Has the Minister any forward planning in mind for the treatment of the village of St. Margarets and how will it be affected by this runway which will run right on to the west exit?
(Cavan): All those matters are being considered and are being taken into account in relation to the planning of the new runways.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.