asked the Minister for Transport if he will give details of the increased landing charges at Cork Airport; and if he is aware that these increases have caused strong resentment in the tourist trade and that they will result in extra charges for passengers.
Written Answers. - Air Services.
295.
I assume that this question relates to the charges introduced by Aer Rianta in respect of the extra costs involved in the extension of the hours of opening of Cork Airport.
In response to requests from Aer Lingus and the travel trade, special arrangements have been made to allow a number of night charter flights to take place during May to October 1981 at the airport. These arrangements involve extending the normal hours of opening of the airport and will involve both the State and Aer Rianta in extra expense. The extra charges which have been introduced by Aer Rianta are designed to enable the company to recover the costs which it will incur as a result of the extended opening hours. The extra charges involved are £125 per hour for a minimum of two hours and £1,000 where an all-night opening is required. I might add that the additional costs incurred by the State in respect of air traffic control etc. are not being charged to the airlines.
296.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if flights to and from Ireland are directed and controlled at present by air traffic controllers in Britain; and, if so, the steps being taken to provide an independent system for this country.
The regulation of civil aviation is provided for on a world-wide basis through the forum of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The Shannon Flight Information Region (FIR), which corresponds with the geographical limits of Irish Airspace, is bounded to the east and north by the London and Scottish FIR's and to the west and south by the Shanwick Oceanic FIR which extends to mid-Atlantic.
Air traffic control and communications services within the Shannon FIR are provided solely by Ireland and within the London and Scottish FIR's solely by the United Kingdom. Within the Shanwick Oceanic FIR the air traffic control service is provided by the United Kingdom and the communications service is provided by Ireland.
The present system, which has operated satisfactorily for many years, is kept under review by my Department.
297.
asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the proposals to construct airports in certain provincial centres, he proposes to issue licences for the operation of scheduled internal air passenger services.
As I informed the Deputy on 18 March 1981 the range of services to be provided from local airports will be among the subject matters to be examined in the policy review relating to local airports. I have arranged for a working group, under the aegis of my Department, to initiate the proposed review without delay.