Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004
123 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had recently with his counterparts to have outstanding issues in relation to the extension of the runway at City of Derry Airport resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29530/04]
View answerThe Department of Transport is considering two separate proposals about the runway and other infrastructural developments at City of Derry Airport. It has participated in a project steering group, which was established at the request of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to examine all aspects of the proposed development of the airport, including the technical need for the proposed runway extension, the current and projected financial position of the airport company, the business case supporting the proposed capital investment and the wider issue of balanced economic development for the entire north-west region. The steering group comprised an official from the Department of Transport, as well as officials from relevant Departments and agencies in Northern Ireland and representatives from local chambers of commerce. The steering group recently concluded its work and a final report is being considered. A separate proposal for retrospective funding towards costs associated with a runway safety improvement project originally approved in 1999, as well as other essential safety related capital expenditure, is also under consideration.
