Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Nov 1994

Vol. 446 No. 6

Written Answers. - Letterkenny (Donegal) Airport.

Patrick D. Harte

Question:

174 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has received a request from Donegal County Council to receive a deputation from the council consisting of the chairman and vice-chairman of the Letterkenny airport committee and Donegal members of the Oireachtas to discuss making available a copy of the feasibility study prepared in 1988/89 by the consultants Deloitte, Haskins and Sells on the proposed development of the airport; when he proposes to reply to the council's letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2644/94]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

The feasibility study in question was commissioned on a confidential basis by the then Minister for Tourism and Transport in 1988. It would therefore not be appropriate to make it available to other parties.

There have been major changes in world aviation which have required major policy changes in Irish aviation policy since 1988. My Department in 1992 commissioned an aviation and regional development specialist to undertake a consultancy study of the regional airports, including whether there should be any additions to Ireland's existing network of regional airports.

One of the findings of the consultancy study was that an airport at Letterkenny could not be justified. The consultants' recommendations in this regard were accepted by the Government.

The question of meeting a deputation from Donegal County Council is currently being considered in this context.