Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
388. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when consultants were appointed to carry out detailed design, costing and tender documents for the construction phase of the provision of air terminals in Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan and on Inisbofin; when it is expected this work will be completed; the name of the consultants appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22551/13]
View answer389. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date that planning permission was granted for the provision of air-terminals on Inishbofin and at Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan; the date these permissions will expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22552/13]
View answer390. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason that the airstrips on Inishbofin and Cleggan are not licensed and open for use by private aircraft, in view of the tourist potential of these airstrips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22553/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 to 390, inclusive, together.
The consultants, Malachy Walsh & Partners, were appointed by my Department on 9 February 2011 to carry out a detailed design and costing and to prepare tender documents for the construction phase of the provision of terminals at Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan and on Inishbofin. Tenders for the construction phase have not been sought at this stage. Planning permission for construction of the terminals was granted on 12 December 2011 and will expire on 12 December 2016.
Since the airstrips are not open or licensed for use by the Irish Aviation Authority, landing aircraft on them is strictly prohibited. I am certain that the Deputy will agree that my Department could not stand over a situation whereby aircraft are landing and taking off without permission on State property.
