asked the Minister for Transport when the new airports at Waterford and Sligo will be opened; and if he is pursuing the policy of initiating internal air services from these locations.
Written Answers. - Waterford and Sligo Airports.
573.
In relation to Waterford Airport, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Deasy of 22 October 1981. A licence authorising the operation of domestic air services to and from the airport was granted by my Department on 14 December 1981. I understand that construction work on Sligo Airport is expected to be completed by Easter 1982 and that the airport should be operational by summer 1982.
In order that a service to and from Waterford should be available as soon as the airport opens, an authorisation for a scheduled service between Dublin and Waterford has already been issued on a non-exclusive basis to Avair. Any other applications to provide services to Waterford, Sligo or any other local airport will be examined on their merits.
On the question of policy, an Interdepartmental Committee is at present reviewing arrangements for the establishment, equipment and financing of regional or local airports and air services. The committee will make recommendations for future policy.