Vol. 424 No. 5
107 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the steps, if any, which will be taken to protect the residents living in, and around, Irish airports in view of the Schiphol air disaster in Amsterdam; if she considers new airline and ground measures necessary in the light of the Amsterdam crash; if she will outline the safety procedures at present in order to allay public anxiety; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The location and height of residential and other developments in the vicinity of an airport are regulated by standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Furthermore, safety procedures and standards for aircraft are also regulated by ICAO. The objective of the ICAO standards, all of which are adhered to by my Department, is to ensure the maximum safety standards.
These safety procedures and standards are constantly reviewed and up-dated.
I can assure the Deputy, also, that aircraft flight paths are similarly reviewed on a regular basis to ensure maximum safety when operating over densely populated areas in the vicinity of high rise buildings.
Finally, I can confirm that following the tragic Amsterdam accident and the recommendation of Boeing, safety checks are being carried out on all Irish registered Boeing 747 aircraft.
