Airport Red Zones.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004

Thursday, 28 October 2004

Questions (268)

Pat Breen

Question:

268 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 February 2001, if it was stated that the essential purpose of the so-called red zones at airports is to control the erection of buildings within those zones which by their height may interfere with the safe take-off or landing of aircraft; if such purpose was the precise reason for the concept of protected areas as provided for by way of section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26458/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I can confirm that the former Minister for Public Enterprise, Senator O'Rourke, stated that: "The essential purpose of the so-called red zones at Irish airports is to control the erection of buildings within those zones which by their height may interfere with the safe take off or landing of aircraft." However, it would not be appropriate for me to interpret the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950. The interpretation of law is a matter for the courts.

In a reply to a similar question on 29 June 2004, my predecessor, Deputy Brennan, pointed out that the High Court, in a judicial review case between Mr. Sean Liddy and the Minister for Public Enterprise, the Irish Aviation Authority, Aer Rianta Teoranta, Ireland and the Attorney General, ruled in February 2003 that the use of either section 14 orders or the planning process is permissible for restricting development in the vicinity of airports.