asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the total capital outlay on Shannon Airport, its installations and equipment, from the date of site acquisition to the most recent date for which figures are available, and the total net revenue to date from the airport, and (b) in respect of Foynes flying boat air terminal the total capital outlay on buildings, equipment, and installations, and the total price obtaining on its disposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport: Outlay and Revenue.
The total capital expenditure on the acquisition of lands, construction of runways, erection of buildings and the provision of equipment, etc., at Shannon Airport including Foynes amounted to £2,913,073 at the 31st March, 1957, the latest date for which figures are available. This figure includes expenditure both by my Department and by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. While it is not possible fully to segregate the expenditure between Shannon and Foynes, the expenditure incurred by my Department at Foynes on constructional works including the furnishing of buildings and on the acquisition of land, amounted to £178,100.
As the Deputy is aware, the hostel at Foynes was disposed of to Limerick County Council for use as a hospital. The total amount realised on the disposal of buildings and equipment at Foynes was £15,422; in addition, certain items of equipment, the value of which cannot readily be stated, were transferred from Foynes for use at Shannon.
The operation of the airport has shown an operating surplus since 31st March, 1955, as a consequence of which the aggregate of the deficits of earlier years was reduced to £1,253,213.