Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

70 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the recently expressed concerns on behalf of local action groups against the development of Baldonnel, County Dublin, as a major commercial airport and his admission that South Dublin County Council's alteration to building height requirements differs significantly from the views of his Department, he will clarify his position on the matter; if his Department has made contact with South Dublin County Council on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21393/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

My Department commissioned a review of its air safety policy at Casement Aerodrome in June 1999. The review was carried out by Sir Frederick Snow and Partners Ltd., and following extensive consideration of their report, a formal statement of the Department's revised policy was notified to South Dublin County Council on 26 June 2000. The principal features of the revised policy are based on International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommendations with appropriate additional provisions for the training of the Air Corps.

Officials of my Department are available to discuss this new policy with South Dublin County Council.