asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on the proposal to provide an airport at Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if EC funds are available for this type of development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letterkenny (Donegal) Airport.
15.
I am aware of proposals by Donegal County Council for the development of an airport at Big Isle, Letterkenny. However, there is no provision in my Department's Estimate for 1988 for Exchequer grants for the development of the airport. In the circumstances, the question of the availability of EC funds does not arise.
In view of the fact that the year 1992 is fast approaching would the Minister not agree there would be some merit in considering the establishment of a cross-Border airport for the north-west? Can the Minister tell us whether he has discussed joint development of Eglinton airport in County Derry with the British authorities?
I am aware of the airport at Eglinton. It has been used——
The Minister should; a lot of Irish people owe their lives to its existence.
I am being interrupted by Deputy Kelly. He does not do me the favour of interrupting me loudly enough for me to hear him.
I have already indicated that such interruptions are not in order on Question Time.
The Minister enjoys it.
I would enjoy it if I could hear him. I always enjoy his words.
What I said was that the Minister should be aware of the airport. A lot of Irish people owe their lives to the existence of that airport.
Of course. Unlike Deputy Kelly, I am an Ulsterman and I know more about it than Deputy Kelly.
How is it that Deputies from Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal can never stand up in this House without——
If Deputy Kelly wants to intervene, he knows the rules as well as any other man in this House. He should rise and seek the acknowledgment of the Chair if he wishes to intervene and I will be glad to facilitate him.
Let me comment on what Deputy Kelly said by saying that nine counties constitute Ulster, not six as some people pretend.
This is a classic lesson.
In any event the question is about the development of an airport at Big Isle in Letterkenny——
The division of this country into counties was an English innovation.
These interruptions are not in order.
I know the King's name as well and he made a damn good job of some of the counties, I can tell the Deputy that. If the Deputy takes a look at the relevant subhead in the Estimate for my Department he will see I have a very small amount of money available to me for the development of regional airports. In the absence of finance I cannot talk about the development of any airport. I do not know what will happen in ten years time: all I am saying is that as of now, speaking for my Department and in the context of the question, there is no money available to me for the development of regional airports.
Can the Minister tell us whether he has explored the possibility of making funds available from the funds set up under the Anglo-Irish Agreement, especially funds from America? Would the Minister not agree that this case provides a very good opportunity for cross-Border co-operation and it makes little sense to have two airports just a few miles from each other on either side of that invisible line?
Is the Deputy suggesting that there be development of Eglinton airport only and not of Letterkenny? Is that the idea? Carrickfin airport in County Donegal is also in use and is quite busy.
It is a long way away.
It is, a good bit.
Why not use the £200,000 which has been provided for Knock?
Question No. 16, please, in the name of Deputy John Bruton.