asked the Minister for Transport whether any proposals exist for the development of Cork Airport; if so, the nature of such proposals; the time scale envisaged for the completion of the work; and whether an application for EEC aid has been or will be made in respect thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Airport Development.
4.
The adequacy of facilities at Cork Airport is kept under continuous review by Aer Rianta and my Department so that any improvements necessary to cope with traffic growth or changes in aircraft types proposing to use the airport can be introduced in good time. A major extension of the terminal building was completed in 1978 and a new helicopter base is at present nearing completion.
Aer Rianta's long-term plans for Cork Airport include provision for extension of apron, taxiway and runway facilities. The question of the timing of the implementation of these plans will depend on the development of traffic at the airport.
The cost of developments to date at Cork Airport has been borne by the Exchequer and no aid has been sought from the EEC in respect of such works. The possibility of seeking aid from EEC sources can, as appropriate, be examined in consultation with the Minister for Finance in relation to particular development projects that may arise in the future.
Will the implementation of any of this work for the second city of this country be impeded if the airport for Mayo is sanctioned?
As I stated, when it is necessary to provide extra facilities at Cork Airport no undue delay will take place.
Arising out of the constraints in public finance of which this House has frequently been made aware by the Government, could the Minister indicate how much the Mayo airport might cost in relation to this programme of development in Cork?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy will put down a question concerning that matter I will be delighted to facilitate him.
Have there been any extensions to Cork Airport since it was opened in 1960 or 1962?
There has been an extension to the terminal building and that was completed in 1978 at a cost of about £630,000 and a helicopter base is almost completed. There are some other projects which Aer Rianta would like to put in hand for next year and hopefully some of them will be attempted.
The Minister says that there has been just one extension since it was opened originally. When was that extension sanctioned?
It is not true to say that other projects were not attempted and completed since the airport was opened but I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that there has been a considerable percentage decrease in the general traffic into Cork Airport and it is accepted that the facilities are adequate at this time to deal with that.
The Minister says that sanction was completed in 1978. I want to know when it was sanctioned.
That information is not available to me but I will communicate it to the Deputy.
(Interruptions.)
It was not Fianna Fáil who organised it or sanctioned it. I am sure that information is on the file if the Minister would care to give it.