Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Air Accident Investigations.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

294 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the PSO application of Waterford Regional Airport Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1508/01]

I am aware that the airport authorities in Waterford are considering the question of seeking a PSO on the Dublin/Waterford air route. However, I have not as yet received a formal application from Waterford Regional Airport in this regard.

As the Deputy is aware, the EU Commission previously rejected proposals for a PSO route linking Waterford and Dublin on the grounds that the distance involved is relatively short and that the route was adequately served by other transport modes.

I will of course have any new application from Waterford Airport for such a PSO carefully examined and assessed by my Department.

John Gormley

Question:

295 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received representations from a person (details supplied) in relation to the forced landing of Aer Lingus Flight 270, E-ACF in Spernal, England on 1 January 1953; if she will hold an inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1531/01]

The position in relation to this matter has not changed since my response to recent questions. For the information of the Deputy, the position is as follows. The accident was the subject of a public inquiry held in the Four Courts in June 1953 before the late Judge Thomas Teevan S.C. The inquiry found that the Aer Lingus DC 3 aircraft on a scheduled flight from Dublin to Birmingham on 1 January, crashed at Spernal near Birmingham with the loss of the aircraft. There were no fatalities.

The inquiry found that the captain was responsible for the accident by allowing both engines cut out by feeding from the same fuel tank which ran dry. The captain's licence was endorsed by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, the effect of which prohibited him from flying passenger aircraft. The licence was restored without prejudice in 1977. The late captain's family now seek the quashing of the verdict of the court and officials of my Department are in contact with them. I believe that these discussions should shortly result in an agreed mechanism for a structured review of the issues which are of concern to the family.

Top
Share