Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 3

Written Answers. - Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

41 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the future development of Baldonnel Aerodrome; if there has been further discussion on the possible development of a civilian section or a cargo section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4664/02]

Austin Deasy

Question:

48 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if he has objections to Baldonnel Aerodrome being expanded to cater for commercial and military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4795/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 48 together.

Baldonnel Aerodrome is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel as outlined in the White Paper on Defence, the Air Corps has the basis for better management of its resources. Baldonnel will continue to be the centre of military aviation in Ireland. I have no plans at present for other developments at the aerodrome.

I will, however, keep the matter under review to determine whether greater use might be made of this important resource. As the Deputy may be aware the position of Baldonnel was considered in the Warburg Dillon Read/AIB report, 1999 which assessed the merits of a second airport in Dublin on behalf of the Department of Public Enterprise, and concluded there was no requirement for the State to promote or develop a second civil airport for the Dublin region at this time.

With regard to Baldonnel, the advisors saw no reason to hinder commercial development at the aerodrome subject to appropriate planning approvals. The needs of the Air Corps will continue to be of primary importance. However, before any consideration can be given to having commercial aviation at Baldonnel, it will be necessary to bring Baldonnel Aerodrome within the licensing and regulatory control of the Irish Aviation Authority, which would require an amendment to section 3 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. This is a matter for the Minister for Public Enterprise.

Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 40.