Vol. 519 No. 3
40 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the reports recently given to him on Baldonnel airport; the future use of Baldonnel; the reason he objected to the FAI planning application for a stadium in the vicinity of Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13764/00]
43 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with the Football Association of Ireland with regard to potential problems for air traffic to and from Baldonnel arising from the proposed construction of a new stadium nearby; when his Department last met the FAI; the outcome of the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13799/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 43 together.
A consultants' report commissioned by the Department on air safety, including training and operational requirements of the Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome, and carried out by Sir Frederick Snow and Partners has been received and is being examined. There are no plans to publish the report at this time.
With regard to the future use of Baldonnel, its utilisation 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 considered the possibility of a second airport in the Dublin area and this was considered in the context of Baldonnel Aerodrome. This report by Warburg Dillon Read and 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. Its 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 those recommendations will be.
My Department has lodged an objection with South Dublin County Council in connection with an application by the FAI to erect a new stadium at Gibbons townland as the proposal may impact on the Department's policy on the safety of aviation operations and the future development of Casement Aerodrome. In this regard, my officials have met representatives of the FAI to discuss the matter and the Department has clarified its position in relation to the FAI application. The most recent meeting between the Department and the FAI took place at the end of March and at that meeting it was agreed a report would be prepared by the Air Corps on the impact of the proposed stadium on Air Corps operations from an operational and safety viewpoint. The report has just been completed and is under examination in the Department. My Department was in touch with the FAI last week and I expect the Air Corps report will be the subject of further discussions.
Does the Minister intend to make the details of the Air Corps report available to the FAI? Have any other drafts of these reports been given to other Departments? Will the Minister confirm whether the report he has received states that the development of the FAI stadium, Eircom Park, will have no impact on safety for Baldonnel? Is that correct? What is the problem with publishing the reports that are available? Is the Minister's Department playing ducks and drakes with the FAI on this issue, perhaps for political reasons related to the development of the national stadium?
That is nonsense. The question of operational safety, particularly for training young pilots at Baldonnel, is crucial and not one to be tossed around in a frivolous way, as Deputy Fitzgerald appears to be doing. It is not normal to publish these reports, but to be honest, I do not mind. As soon as we have finished our examination of the report I am quite happy to publish it, not just for the FAI but for others also. This 45,000 seater stadium is not in the flight path but in the training path, but we want to be absolutely sure there is no diminution or weakening of the safety standards around Baldonnel, no more and no less.
That is the reason I raised this issue. Obviously, the safety issue is extremely important, but equally it is important to publish the reports and not to delay publication to get the facts out. That is why I am asking whether the reports will be published, as it is in everyone's interests that they be published as soon as possible and that there is transparency. That is why I have raised these matters.
What is the timeframe for these matters, particularly for the FAI development? I agree that safety is important; we have had a number of tragedies involving the Air Corps and we do not want to create problems. However, the FAI has put a huge effort into planning this stadium and time is of the essence. When will a decision be made on this issue so that the FAI can move on to the next phase of its plan?
I am a fanatical sports supporter and I recognise the enormous efforts the FAI and other organisations put into playing facilities. I cannot give a definitive answer as to when a decision will be made on this issue because there is also the Snow report which recommends the application of international civil aviation guidelines. That report is also being considered in the context of the wider use of Baldonnel. That presents some further complications in giving an exact time for a decision, but I do not think it will be too long as both reports must be considered in that context. I would like to be able to make a final decision and to publish the report before the autumn.
Is it true the Minister's Department has sought the views of the Irish Aviation Authority, though I understand that body does not normally have jurisdiction over military airports? Will the Minister confirm if that has been done and, if so, why? Also, has the Minister had discussions on the Aviation Regulation Bill, in particular section 46, which is before the Seanad? Did the Minister's Department have an input into that section?
Before a final decision could be taken on the potential for joint military-civilian use of Baldonnel the Irish Aviation Act, 1993, would have to be amended. Section 3 of the Bill currently in the Seanad, which we discussed with the Department of Public Enterprise and the Irish Aviation Authority, provides that the legal impediment which restricted the possibility of that potential use could be removed. In that context we have had discussion with the Irish Aviation Authority. That body is also responsible for overall civil aviation guidelines and it is retained by my Department for advice on a continuous basis.
To come back to the FAI, I am happy the Minister said he will do his utmost to publish the report by the autumn and every effort should be made to realise that aim. It is of vital importance to everyone involved that this matter be resolved.
What capital outlay is envisaged for the development of Baldonnel? What is Baldonnel's position relative to Dublin Airport? I know the facilities are not the same, but are the runways compatible with those at Dublin Airport or would major investment in Baldonnel be necessary in order to use it as a private or military airport? What is the overall view of development at Baldonnel? Development seems sensible in terms of giving a second option. What capital outlay would be involved? Would there be a major problem in developing Baldonnel as a second airport?
A number of private businesses are interested in private civil aviation in Baldonnel. If the decision was to proceed only with that aspect of development, about £1.5 million would be required for immediate investment. However, a wider and more extended use in terms of commercial civil aviation would require a very substantial investment and major planning and consultation. I cannot put a precise figure on the amount, but I would guess a minimum of between £5 million and £10 million.
