asked the Minister for Communications the type of fire fighting equipment available at all airports and airfields throughout the country; their location; the number of staff employed at each location on fire fighting only; if he is satisfied that sufficient fire fighting equipment is available in an emergency situation at all locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Airport Fire Fighting Equipment.
83.
In the case of the three State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork, the fire fighting equipment comprises foam crash trucks, rapid intervention vehicles and special purpose fire trucks. In the case of aerodromes licensed for public use there is a variety of types of fire fighting equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pressurised foam units, fire tenders and engine-driven foam units. In all cases the equipment is located at the aerodrome while public transport operations are taking place; at other times, in the case of a small number of licensed aerodromes, the equipment is located at a separate premises. In certain cases arrangements exist for supplementing aerodrome fire fighting services by units from local fire services.
At the State airports a total of 33 staff are employed exclusively on fire fighting duties. In addition, there are 272 staff who are trained in both airport security and fire fighting duties. At licensed aerodromes no staff are employed exclusively on fire fighting duties but staff at those aerodromes undertake a variety of duties among which fire fighting takes priority when the occasion demands. I am satisfied that there is sufficient fire fighting equipment available for emergency purposes at the State airports and aerodromes licensed for public use.