Olivia Mitchell
Question:76 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the future use of Baldonnel airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13702/00]
Written Answers - Baldonnel Aerodrome.
Michael Bell
Question:86 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the plans for the future use and development of Baldonnel Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13674/00]
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:105 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when he will publish the reports he has received on Baldonnel airport; the reason they have not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13701/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 86 and 105 together.
A number of approaches have been made in recent times by private concerns regarding the possible commercial 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 use of these facilities for hire or reward requires careful consideration as it may have implications regarding licensing of the facility for such use. However, the greater utilisation of this under used 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 me 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 considered the possibility of a second airport in the Dublin area and this was considered in the context of Baldonnel Aerodrome.
This report which was made by Warburg Dillon Read/AIB on Aer Rianta's future strategic direction assessed the merits of a second airport in Dublin particularly in the context of the possible development by commercial interests of Baldonnel Aerodrome.
Their recommendations 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 I will report to Government with specific recommendations on the future of Baldonnel. It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on what these recommendations will be.
A consultants' report commissioned by the Department on air safety including training and operational requirements of the Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome has been received. The report made by Sir Frederick Snow and Partners is currently being examined. There are not any plans to publish the report at this time.