Aviation Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (119)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the recent memorandum of understanding that was signed between Etihad Airways and College Ireland Aviation Services for the provision of aviation training services during the Government's recent trade mission to the Gulf region; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part of this MOU includes plans to greatly expand the use of Weston Airport beside Leixlip, County Kildare; if he is further aware that Weston Airport is subject to a number of outstanding planning violations and objections by local residents and that any intensification of the use of the runway there would lead to significant additional problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7726/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Weston Airport is a privately owned, non-State aerodrome which has been operating since 1938. It is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I am aware of the Memorandum of Understanding to which the Deputy refers. However I am not a party to it. For the Deputy's information, the IAA is a notice party under the planning and development regulations so that details of any development with the potential to endanger or interfere with the safety, or safe and efficient navigation of aircraft are sent to the IAA. The issues of flight paths, minimum flying heights and safety regulation are also the responsibility of the IAA. I appreciate and understand that many residents from the areas surrounding Weston have concerns about the development of it. It is my desire that activity at Weston should take account of the concerns of local residents, with appropriate consultation.

Local authorities are responsible for issues relating to planning. South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council are responsible for land use and planning at and in the vicinity of Weston, including the nature and extent of operations at the airport. I have no role in the planning process. Nor how local authorities exercise those powers. It is of course the duty of Weston to ensure that it complies with all requirements set down by the local authorities and the IAA.