Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Eircom Park.

Bernard Allen

Question:

120 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason his Department has sought the views of the Irish Aviation Authority on the Eircom Park proposal in view of the fact that the authority wrote to South Dublin County Council on 29 November 1999 stating that it has no observations on the development as it does not have a remit at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15111/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

121 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if civil flying regulations apply to Aer Corps operations at Baldonnel; his views on whether the use of such regulations by his Department in its approach to the Eircom Park stadium development was appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15113/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

122 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail the Aer Corps response following its meeting with the Football Association of Ireland; the reasons the Football Association of Ireland had to wait ten months to meet the Aer Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15114/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

123 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason his Department has not adhered to its customer service charter in its dealings with the Football Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 123, inclusive, together.

At a meeting with FAI representatives on 16 March, 2000 it was agreed that the Department would seek the views of the Irish Aviation Authority with regard to the proposed Eircom Park development. A reply is now to hand and will be discussed with the FAI at the next meeting which will be arranged shortly.

In relation to flying instructions, flying orders are issued by the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Baldonnel. The safety standards recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation have been adopted by my Department since 1993. I might add that it is vitally important that flying and training standards comply with best world practice having regard to pilot and civilian safety.

At the most recent meeting between the Department and the FAI which took place at the end of March it was agreed that a report would be prepared by the Air Corps in relation to the impact of the proposed stadium on Air Corps operations from an operational and safety viewpoint. This report has just been completed and is currently under examination in my Department. This matter will also be discussed at the forthcoming meeting with the FAI representatives.

My officials are available to meet FAI representatives when reports and requests for information from them are available for discussion. There is no diminution in the quality of customer service provided by my Department.