asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the airfield at Birr, County Offaly, is used by industrialists throughout the midland counties and is of prime importance for the development of this region and that an application by the Midland Flying Club to have customs clearance granted to this airfield has been refused by the Revenue Commissioners; if he will have the decision reconsidered since the application has the full backing of Birr UDC and Chamber of Commerce, Offaly County Council, the business community, industrialists and the entire community in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr (Offaly) Airfield.
88.
Mr. Kenny
Birr Chamber of Commerce, the holders of the licence for the airfield at Birr, were informed in September, 1974, that, on the basis of the information available to them, the Revenue Commissioners were not satisfied that the volume of potential traffic would warrant the provision of customs clearance facilities at the airfield. It was stated, however, that the decision would be reviewed if supporting evidence were forthcoming. In the light of information since produced, the commissioners have indicated that they are prepared to approve limited facilities for a trial period of 12 months. The facilities will be put into operation once the applicant accepts the terms of the approval.