Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.

Pat Breen

Question:

150 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence if a draft protected area order was prepared for Baldonnel Aerodrome in accordance with section 36 of the Defence Act 1954; if so, the reason such 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. [30840/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is the only military aerodrome in the State. It provides facilities 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, a revised policy statement based on the recommendations of the consultants who conducted the review and having regard to the security requirements for this military establishment, 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 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 its Minister in so far as they may affect or relate to its functions. The present arrangement, which was designed to ensure the safety of military air trafficen 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 in section 36 of the Defence Act 1954.