I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 to 355, inclusive, together.
I have nothing to add to my earlier reply to Question No. 261 of 9 November 2004 which outlined the position with regard to planningissues in the vicinity of Dublin Airport in the 1940s.
I understand from the Dublin Airport Authority that the land holdings which were recently offered for public sale by the former Aer Rianta in the vicinity of Shannon Airport comprised 72 hectares approximately. Of this, about 15 hectares was compulsorily acquired in 1945 to cater for the further expansion of Shannon Airport. I am informed that, according to the Land Registry records, the names of the owners of these 15 hectares prior to 1945 were Ellen Fahey, Patrick Quinlivan and James McMahon. Aer Rianta acquired the remaining 57 acres by negotiation with the local owners.
I understand that the possible sale of the 72 hectares in question is being reviewed by the Shannon Airport Board in the context of the current business planning process.
With regard to car parking charges at Dublin Airport, the fee rates applicable from 1 April 1977 were set out in the Dublin Airport (Parking Fees) By-Laws 1977, SI No. 92 of 1977. The Airport By-Laws 1994, SI No. 425 of 1994, provided at Regulation 8(9) for the former Aer Rianta to set parking charges at the State Airports, including Dublin Airport, and from that point on, the Minister of the day had no function in regard to the matter.