I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together.
Following a review by Aer Rianta on behalf of the Department of Defence of policy in relation to safety zones at Casement Aerodrome in 1992, taking account of existing and future technical and operational requirements of the Air Corps, a map showing revised safety and security areas was forwarded to Dublin County Council for incorporation in its development plan which was under review at that time. The map, designated as Map No. 2 which forms part of the report prepared by Aer Rianta and which differs from the map included at page 313 (a) of the 1983 Dublin development plan, shows the extent of the restricted areas and these include areas coloured red at the end of each runway at Casement Aerodrome. Red safety areas, or runway approach surfaces as they are technically referred to, were first adopted at Casement Aerodrome following the Aer Rianta report of 1992 and were introduced to ensure the safe and unobstructed operation of air traffic to and from Casement Aerodrome in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommendations. While the safety policy has been kept under review in the interim the runway approach surface areas have been retained. The runway approach surfaces at Casement Aerodrome originate 60 metres beyond the runway thresholds, have a width of 300 metres and diverge at a rate of 15% at each side to a width of 700 metres. The overall length of the runway approach surfaces at Casement Aerodrome are 1370 metres long in the case of each runway. The Department's policy approach is that no new developments should be allowed within the runway approach surfaces. However, extensions to existing domestic dwellings are acceptable in certain circumstances.
Responsibility for planning and development in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome now rests with the planning department of South Dublin County Council. The practice down the years has been for the local planning authority to consult the Department of Defence in respect of planning applications for proposed developments which may affect Casement Aerodrome. Such consultations have taken place and continue to take place on a regular basis.
