Frances Fitzgerald
Question:39 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has received in relation to the use of Gormanston Aerodrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12694/99]
Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
Proposals have been made to my Department for the establishment of a pilot training school at Gormanston aerodrome. Such a school would need to be approved by the Irish Aviation Authority as the air safety and aviation technical regulatory body. However, section 3 of the Aviation Authority Act, 1993 excludes aerodromes under the control of the Minister of Defence from the scope of that Act.
Legislation to amend section 3 of the 1993 Act and other air safety regulatory provisions is at present under preparation in my Department. I am committed to bringing this legislation forward as speedily as possible but given the extent of the Government's legislative programme this will take some time.
In the meantime, my Department is exploring with the Department of Defence the possibility of finding a solution which would enable the Gormanston training school proposals to go ahead in advance of the amending legislation.