Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Safety Policy.

Pat Breen

Question:

198 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence if a draft protected area order was prepared in relation to Baldonnel Aerodrome in accordance with section 36 of the Defence Act 1954; if so, the reason such an order was not promulgated in accordance with the wishes of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/03]

Pat Breen

Question:

199 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence if either the security zone or the red safety areas designated at Baldonnel Aerodrome have any statutory basis or legal status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is the only military aerodrome in the State. It provides facili ties for military aircraft training and operations. The latter includes fishery protection patrols, ministerial air transport, Garda air support, air ambulance missions, etc. Following a review of the Department's safety policy regarding Casement Aerodrome in 1999 and having regard to the security requirements for this military establishment, a revised policy statement based on the recommendations of the consultants who conducted the review was forwarded to South Dublin County Council for incorporation into its development plan.

The security zone and the approach areas, which conform to international civil aviation organisation criteria, form part of the safety policy. The various restrictions on development in the vicinity of the aerodrome are, accordingly, reflected in the current plan. Section 7 (1)(e) of the Local Government Act 1991 requires a local authority, in performing its functions, to have regard to the policies and objectives of the Government and any Minister of the Government in so far as they may affect or relate to its functions. The current arrangement, which was designed to ensure the safety of military air traffic en route to and from Casement Aerodrome, has operated satisfactorily down the years and, accordingly, it has not been necessary to introduce a protected area order as provided for at section 36 of the Defence Act 1954.