Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
374 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence the names of the applicants, with respect to all the planning applications to which his Department lodged objections and appeals at Casement Aerodrome; the address of each of the applicant sites; the stated reason for such objections and appeals; the applicable planning reference numbers and the final outcomes of such objections and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26484/04]
View answerCasement Aerodrome, which is the only secure military aerodrome in the State, has been operated by the Defence Forces since the foundation of the State. It provides facilities for military aircraft training and operations, including fishery protection patrols, ministerial air transport, Garda air support, etc.
Responsibility for planning and development in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome currently rests with the planning department of South Dublin County Council and all planning decisions are made by that authority. 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.
My Department commissioned a review of its air safety policy at Casement Aerodrome in June 1999. The review was carried out by Sir Frederick Snow and Partners Limited, and following extensive consideration of their report, a formal statement of the Department's revised policy was notified to South Dublin County Council on 26 June 2000. The current safety policy reflects best international practice in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommendations and provides for military training in the area.
The position is that weekly planning lists as issued by the planning authority of South Dublin County Council are examined in my Department. Where any such application may conflict with my Department's air safety policy or affect the safety and operation of Casement Aerodrome, my Department's observations and/or objections, as appropriate, are conveyed to the council.
The detailed information in relation to applications requested by the Deputy is not readily available and the compilation of such information would require a disproportionate allocation of staff resources. If the Deputy wishes the information in respect of a specific application or applications, I will arrange to have the relevant details made available to him.
