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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

442 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering plans in respect of airport facilities at Baldonnel in County Dublin, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his recent reported remarks on the matter have created interest, certainly in the Dublin south west region, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/03]

Baldonnel is a military aerodrome, responsibility for which rests with the Minister for Defence. Any proposal for a change of use in relation to Baldonnel would be a matter for the Minister for Defence in the first instance.

As far as wider aviation policy is concerned, I do not believe that there is any pressing requirement at this stage for a second fully commercial airport to serve the greater Dublin area, whether at Baldonnel or anywhere else. Dublin Airport has capacity to expand to cater for growth in passenger traffic for many years to come. Also, the Government's decision in July last to restructure Aer Rianta and establish the three State airports as new, independent, autonomous authorities will allow the airports at Shannon and Cork to compete, to the extent permitted by market dynamics, with Dublin Airport for a greater share of future growth in Irish air travel. Planned improvements in other national transport infrastructure, particularly roads, will also facilitate future access to our State airports within their catchment areas thus strengthening the capacity of Cork and Shannon to serve their regions.

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