Thomas P. Broughan
Question:9 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether Baldonnel Aerodrome should be developed as a second airport for Dublin city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16455/99]
Other Questions. - Baldonnel (Dublin) Aerodrome.
As I already stated in an earlier reply, the future development of the military aerodrome at Baldonnel is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Defence, in the first instance. Both the Minister for Defence and I have received several proposals, which I outlined earlier, on limited development of civil aviation at Baldonnel. Any use of Baldonnel for civil aviation purposes is a matter which falls to be considered by me, in consultation with the Minister for Defence, in the context of overall airports policy. I am awaiting the analyst's report on Aer Rianta which I will bring to Cabinet. The rest of the reply is basically the same as the one I gave earlier.
I do not believe there is any necessity for a second airport in the greater Dublin area. Does the Minister accept that an additional airport in Dublin would result in the duplication of infrastructures and facilities? Does she accept that the international experience of two-airport cities does not support the case for a second airport? Given the importance of Dublin Airport in the general development of the greater Dublin area, particularly north Dublin, does the Minister accept that the development of an additional airport at Baldonnel would result in moving jobs from north Dublin to Baldonnel?
The proposals I received, of which the Minister for Defence also received a copy, did not relate to the provision of a general or commercial airport but to the provision of facilities for private executive jets. The Deputy referred to the experience of cities in which there are two airports. I have noticed that in such instances the smaller airport does not appear to attract the same level of business. Although we are in the early stages, I do not envisage proposals for a major airport but that remains the prerogative of Cabinet.
Does the Minister agree that Mr. Tony Ryan has every right to build an airport if he wants to?
He would have to obtain planning permission first.
He would have to buy land first rather than get it for nothing from somebody else. He would then have to obtain planning permission and the money to build it. Why is he targeting a State asset which he expects to get for nothing? Is that the reason he is targeting it?
I do not know the reason. He came to see me and the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith.
And the ICA.
He was polite and courteous. He is entitled to put his ideas forward.
Did he put up his own money?
We did not discuss the question of cash.
Does the Minister agree all the arguments in relation to a second airport in Dublin arise from the monopoly position of the existing airport? Is she aware that all carriers are aghast that not only is Aer Rianta abolishing the discount scheme from 1 July but proposing a major hike in landing charges? Will she intervene in this serious issue which shows that passenger numbers in Dublin are no longer increasing to ensure Aer Rianta does not abuse its monopoly position and put up charges willy nilly?
Question No. 13 refers to that matter.
Does the Minister accept that Deputy Yates's comment was a red herring in considering the question of whether there is a need for a second airport in Dublin?
I will not comment on Deputy Yates's comment.
Will the Minister seriously consider the case being made as well as the implications for development and job opportunities at Dublin Airport?
I undertake to examine the Deputy's considerations in a full review of the matter.