Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2580. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if analysis has been carried out on the estimated costs that would be associated with the provision of an air service to Inishbofin from Aerphort Chonamara (details supplied); if not, her plans to carry out such an analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19598/21]
View answerIn 2017 my Department undertook a public consultation process whereby it sought submissions from interested parties in relation to the future use of both Clifden and Inishbofin airstrips. On foot of that consultation my Department is in discussions with the HSE with a view to the use of part of the Inisbofin site to locate a Health Care Centre for the island, a facility for which the Island Development Company has been campaigning for some time.
The Department has no immediate plans to develop a new air service from Inisbofin. The airstrip on Inisbofin is not licenced for use by the Irish Aviation Authority at present, and would require substantial capital investment to be made suitable for use. Any developments that are being considered at present, such as the development of the Health Centre, will in no way hinder the potential for air services to operate from the airstrip in the future.
Question No. 2581 answered with Question No. 2569.
