asked the Minister for Communications the efforts being made to attract further business to Shannon Airport in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport.
66.
The performance of Shannon Airport has shown steady improvement over the past few years. The improvement is well illustrated by the comparison of aircraft movements and financial outturn over the past four years:
|
Year |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 |
1985 |
|
No. of aircraft movements |
36,430 |
30,419 (-16%) |
36,161 (+19%) |
39,377 (+9%) |
|
Surplus (deficit) |
£0.5 million |
£1.4 million |
£3.3 million |
Not available |
The prospects for further improvement in 1986 appear favourable. In this connection the inauguration of scheduled services by two further US Airlines — Pan Am and Delta — should be of significant benefit. In relation to transit traffic, Aer Rianta will continue its promotional effort in this area as it has been doing over the past number of years. The availability of aviation fuel at competitive prices through the fuel facility operated by its subsidiary, Shannon Aviation Fuels Limited, which will be considerably expanded in 1986, should assist in the further development of this segment of traffic.
The agreement between Aeroflot and Aer Rianta concerning Aeroflot operations at Shannon was extended in July 1985. In addition, it is expected that the number of passengers transferred between Aer Lingus and Aeroflot will increase significantly in 1986.
The promotion of airline flight crew training is also being actively pursued. Existing contracts for such training will be continued with Air France, KLM and Swissair, and new agreements have been concluded with Lufthansa, British Caledonian and Dan Air for 1986.
The Shannon Free Airport Development Company (SFADCo) which operates under the aegis of the Minister for Industry and Commerce is also very active in the generation of increased business for Shannon.
67.
asked the Minister for Communications if he will make a statement on the improvements and other capital works which will be undertaken at Shannon Airport in 1986; and if he will give details of the work involved; when they are expected to be completed and the amount of expenditure in each case.
The information requested is as follows:
|
Works |
Expected Completion Date |
Estimated Total Expenditure |
|
1. Supply-Installation of Additional Loading Bridge |
April 1986 |
£300,000 |
|
2. Extension to Mail Order Building |
April 1986 |
£60,000 |
|
3. Upgrading of Ground Power Installation |
June 1986 |
£70,000 |
|
Fuel Storage Facilities |
July 1986 |
£1 million |
The following additional works are planned for 1986 but as contracts have not yet been placed it is undesirable to indicate the estimated expenditure on them:
Extension to the fire station,
Extension to the apron,
Installation of new air-ground communications equipment,
Two new cargo terminals.
68.
asked the Minister for Communications if a decision has been made regarding the provision of customs pre-clearance at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a meeting between myself and the US Secretary of Transportation, the Honourable Elizabeth Dole, in Washington last October, talks were resumed on the question of preclearance in general. No conclusions has yet been reached but Customs pre-clearance is not likely to emerge.