Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
766. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the airstrips at Cluain Leacht and Abba, An Cloigeann, Contae na Gaillimhe, and on Inishbofin following on from the public consultation that took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31935/18]
View answer767. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the airstrips at Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cloigeann and Inishbofin are not open for private aircraft to use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31936/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 766 and 767 together.
As referred to by the Deputy, my Department undertook a public consultation process in 2017 whereby it sought submissions from interested parties in relation to the future use of airstrips and surrounding sites in the ownership of the Department on Inishbofin and at Cleggan, County Galway. A large number of submissions were received and these have been reviewed by my Department. My Department has also received specific requests in relation to the sites, including from the HSE and the Irish Coast Guard and these are being considered in the context of the review of submissions. It is my intention to make a decision in regard to the sites in due course, having regard to the submissions received, the current status of the sites and the original purpose for which they were developed.
With regard to use of the airstrips for private aircraft, I would remind the Deputy that the landing strips are not open or licensed for use by the Irish Aviation Authority at present. Therefore, landing aircraft on the airstrips is prohibited.
