Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
1169. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that Cork Airport retains its 24 hour continuous air traffic control coverage; if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Aviation Authority's proposals to examine reducing the air traffic control coverage at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34283/13]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993, one of the IAA's principal objects empowers it to decide, as it sees fit, the extent to which it should operate and manage terminal navigation services at any of the three State airports, including Cork Airport. Accordingly I have no statutory function in relation to this matter. I have been informed by the IAA of the operational circumstances, in particular the low night-time traffic levels, that are giving rise to the current consideration of introducing certain limited night-time service restrictions. It is my understanding that the IAA has decided to postpone for a six-month period a decision on the implementation of a modified air traffic control service at Cork Airport during which time traffic levels during the night will be monitored.
The Deputy will also wish to note that the IAA intends to arrange a consultation meeting in Cork next month, which will be attended by the operators of Cork Airport, as well as local business representatives and where all the factors involved in this issue can be explored and discussed in detail.
