asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the public concern arising from the huge number of aircraft movements in and out of Weston Aerodrome, near Lucan, County Dublin, especially the high proportion of training flights; his views on whether it is appropriate that so many training flights should take place over highly populated areas; if an inquiry is to be undertaken into the recent fatal crash near Weston involving a training flight; if he has satisfied himself that all safety procedures are being complied with in relation to training flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Weston Aerodrome (Dublin) Traffic.
28.
I am not aware of any public concern at the number of aircraft movements at Weston Aerodrome. Apart from aerodrome circuits, most training flights from Weston operate away from built up areas and over open countryside and all such flights are carried out under the supervision of licensed flight instructors. The fatal accident involving a training flight at Weston on 18 October last is the subject of an investigation by my Department and it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in the matter at this stage.