Pat Rabbitte
Question:66 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's plans for the future of Baldonnel aerodrome. [4535/00]
Written Answers. - Baldonnel Aerodrome.
Question:
87 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the use of Baldonnel as a civilian airport; the proposed timetable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4613/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 87 together.
In recent times a number of approaches have been made by private concerns regarding the possible use of facilities at Baldonnel Aerodrome. My main concern, in examining these proposals, would be to protect the military aviation interests at the aerodrome. The question of extending usage of these facilities for hire or reward requires careful consideration as it may have implications regarding licensing of the facility for commercial use. However, the greater utilisation of this underused resource could have benefits for both military and civil aviation in Ireland.
The use of Baldonnel for civil aviation purposes is a matter for consideration by the Minister for Public Enterprise in consultation with myself in the context of overall airports policy generally. In that regard the recent report to the Minister for Public Enterprise and the Minister for Finance on the future of Aer Rianta did consider the possibility of a second airport in the Dublin area and this was considered in the context of Baldonnel Aerodrome.
This report will help in assessing the position of Baldonnel against that wider policy backdrop. Following consideration of the report it is intended that the Minister for Public Enterprise and myself will report to Government with specific recommendations in regard to the future of Baldonnel. It would not be appropriate for me at this stage to speculate on what these recommendations will be.