Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Gormanstown Aerodrome.

Michael Bell

Question:

128 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the proposals the Government has in relation to the creation of a second airport at Gormanstown Military Camp, County Meath; if any such proposal includes the sharing of any such airport with the Air Corps; if the Government or any agency of Government has had discussions with a company (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the substantial purchasing of agricultural land adjoining the military camp with a view to developing that site as a major second commercial and military airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21892/00]

Michael Bell

Question:

130 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the Government policy in relation to the creation of a new civil airport at or near the area of Gormanstown Military Camp, County Meath; if his attention has been draw to the fact that substantial payments are on offer to land owners in the area; the name of the company which is operating substantial flights from Dublin to London; the discussions that have taken place in this regard; the proposals that have been made by this company to Government; the plans the Government has regarding the Air Corps unit at Gormanstown Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22016/00]

Dick Spring

Question:

159 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Defence the plans there are for the future of Gormanstown airfield, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22988/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 130 and 159 together.

I am not aware of any plans or proposals to establish a second airport at Gormanstown, County Meath. I have also no information regarding the status of lands adjacent to the aerodrome.

Gormanstown Aerodrome is currently used as an army and military aviation installation. Whilst there has been a downgrading of its status for military flying purposes, in line with the recommendations of the Pricewaterhouse Coopers review of the Air Corps, there will be a continuing requirement to retain its status as a military aerodrome. The retention of this facility for Army purposes will remain and may increase. Proposals to establish a Flying Training Organisation at Gormanstown were considered by a steering group representing the Department of Pub lic Enterprise, Department of Defence and the Irish Aviation Authority. A draft report was submitted in late July 2000 and is currently being examined by the Minister for Public Enterprise, myself and the Irish Aviation Authority.

The steering group in the course of their deliberations did invite proposals from commercial interests for the establishment of an approved flight training organisation at the aerodrome. Four proposals were initially received of which two were subsequently withdrawn.

To establish any civil aviation operation at Gormanstown Aerodrome it will be necessary to amend section 3 of the Irish Aviation Act 1993 to enable that authority to regulate the safety aspects of any civilian aviation operation. This amendment is currently being considered by this House.