asked the Minister for the Environment when he will approve the compulsory purchase order which has been requested by Donegal County Council in respect of lands at the Big Isle, Manorcunningham, for development of an airport.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Letterkenny Airport.
13.
A number of objections has been lodged against this proposed compulsory acquisition and there will have to be a public inquiry. I will arrange for this inquiry as soon as possible.
Arising out of the Minister's reply and in view of the fact that County Donegal would benefit greatly from this development, especially Letterkenny, could the Minister say what would the normal time factor be in relation to such an inquiry? Could I further ask the Minister, since there has been recent controversy in relation to other airport developments, to clarify if there is any change of policy in relation to the development of the airport at Letterkenny?
I presume the Deputy is referring to Knock airport. Work had started on Knock airport; no work had started on the airport at Letterkenny. I think it is in the same category as the road Deputy Sheehan was asking me about. I hope the inquiry will take place some time between now and Christmas. They will be reporting back to me. The inquiry will depend on how much is involved. There may be various local factors which will make one inquiry longer than another. I cannot even guess how long it will take.
The Minister said there were some objections to this compulsory purchase order—
No, to the acquisition of the land, not to the concept itself.
Is the Minister in a position to state the type of objection raised?
I think the objections are only from land owners but I am not sure about this. The compulsory purchase order would apply only to land owners.
Is the Minister prepared to say how many land owners have voiced objections? Perhaps the Minister would also say if it is absolutely essential that a public hearing be held in this case.
When there are objections under any compulsory purchase orders a public inquiry must be held.
Were there many objections and were they confined to land owners?
I think that is correct. I cannot find the information here. Speaking from memory I think there were five or six objections, but I am open to correction on that point.