Vol. 522 No. 2
122 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the proposal to relocate Galway airport to a site at Oranmore, County Galway; if she will make the necessary finance available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18026/00]
Galway Airport is a privately owned facility and any proposal to relocate that airport is entirely a matter for the airport authority and its shareholders.
I am of course aware of recent public comment regarding a proposal to relocate the airport to a site at Oranmore. The chairman and general manager of Galway Airport met with me last November to brief me on the matter. I have not, however, received any formal proposal regarding a new airport for Galway at Oranmore.
The long-standing policy of my Department as regards the development of aviation facilities is that private interests may provide and develop airports in whatever location they wish, provided the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority are met and planning permission is secured. It is, of course, for the promoters to satisfy themselves that an airport can function as a viable commercial entity.
