Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

147 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a report commissioned by his predecessor recommended the construction of three new airstrips at Clifden and Inishbofin, County Galway and Tory Island, County Donegal; the reason the report was not published; if it is intended to act on the recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24050/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

In October 2001, the air transport group at Cranfield University produced a report on the proposed development and day-to-day management of island airstrips and associated air services. One of the recommendations contained in this report is that new airstrips be constructed at Clifden and Inishbofin, County Galway and Tory Island, County Donegal. Although the report has not been formally published, copies have been sent to interested parties, including the relevant island co-operatives and development associations, and are available on request from my Department. I have also arranged for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.

With regard to the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report, the following steps have been taken: Department of Finance sanction has been obtained to proceed with the development of an airstrip on Inishbofin – I have accordingly authorised Galway County Council to purchase the land required for the project at the earliest opportunity to facilitate the commencement of construction prior to the expiry of planning permission for the project in December 2004; Údarás na Gaeltachta is, at the request of my Department, proceeding with the planning and design of an airstrip on Tory Island; a public service obligation has been introduced on the air route between Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr and Aerfort na Minna, Indreabhán; and I have asked Údarás na Gaeltachta to bring forward plans to rectify deficiencies identified in the airstrips on the three Aran Islands. Planning permission has been obtained for the construction of an airstrip in Clifden.

Considerable progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report and it is my intention to continue to examine ways in which further progress can be made within available resources.