asked the Minister for Communications if he has received proposals from the Irish Air Traffic Control Association for an extension to Irish controlled airspace; if he is aware that since the inception of user charges airspace is a national asset and that this extension would result in an increase in revenue for the State, that costs of the radar equipment are already being recovered under user charges and that portion of the Mount Gabriel costs currently being recouped by the UK would now be paid to Ireland; the responses he has to these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Controlled Airspace.
32.
The proposal submitted recently to me by the Irish Air Traffic Control Association for an extension to Irish controlled airspace is broadly similar to a proposal which has already been the subject of discussion by a working group comprising officials of my Department and of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The group's report is at present under consideration.
Receipts from users of en-route air navigation and communications services are based on the cost of providing these services. Extending the boundaries of Irish controlled airspace would not result in any profit.