Vol. 529 No. 1
293 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the status of the strategy plan for Aer Rianta; the decisions she has made regarding future developments in the company; the discussions she has had on the provision of an additional runway at Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1499/01]
I have outlined in response to previous questions the existing capital development programmes at the three State airports, which are due for completion in the next couple of years. As to plans for the medium and longer term development of the airports, including in the case of Dublin the proposed parallel runway, my Department and Aer Rianta liaise closely and maintain regular contact on the evolution of these plans. Aer Rianta has stated its intention of consulting widely with all their major stakeholders over the next few months, before finalising its future capital development programmes for my consideration.
As to the strategy in relation to Aer Rianta's corporate future, my Department will continue to give careful consideration to the options in this regard taking account of developments in the airport sector in Europe and further afield. Also relevant in this regard will be clarity in relation to the framework for independent economic regulation of the airports which will emerge following the enactment of the Aviation Regulation Bill which is currently before this House. The issues involved are complex and my concern in relation to whatever strategy is ultimately decided upon for the corporate future of Aer Rianta is that it is the correct strategy for the users of the Irish airports, the company itself and for its employees.
