asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are any plans for the construction of a new runway at Shannon Airport, County Clare, for transatlantic flights.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport Runway.
27.
No. The existing runway system is adequate for the type and volume of traffic using Shannon Airport. The number of diversions due to cross winds have been negligible. The greatest number of such diversions in any recent year was nine and the loss of landing fees to the airport so incurred was only £1,845. On the other hand, the cost of a new runway would be well over £1 million.
The adequacy of the runway system and other facilities at the airport is kept under continuing review in my Department.
In view of the fact that Aer Lingus have recommended a second runway for Shannon Airport would the Minister not reconsider this?
They have not.
They have, according to the Press.
Let us not engage in argument.
One reads many things in the Press that are not true.
According to the Press it was recommended.
That is a different thing altogether, as the Deputy well knows.
I read many things in the paper which are not contradicted.