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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Derek McDowell

Question:

34 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date regarding the implementation of improvements to the runaway at Baldonnel Aerodrome, as recommended in the recent consultants report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11780/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith): Tenders for the upgrade of runways and taxiways at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, are due for return on 24 April 2002.
It is expected that the contract will be placed in late May 2002, with a target completion date towards the end of this year. There will be minimal disruption to the ministerial air transport service while work is in progress.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the future development of Baldonnel Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11776/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith): 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 they 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.
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.
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