asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if, in view of the many recent overflights of Cork airport due to weather conditions, he will indicate when the new radar system will be fully operational.
Written Answers. - New Radar System.
80.
Recent diversions from Cork Airport occurred mainly during the first three weeks of October which were exceptionally wet with low cloud cover. The approach radar was available for operational use but the instrument landing system which is the principal precision approach aid and the high intensity lighting at Cork were withdrawn from service due to works in connection with the extension of runway 17. The instrument landing system and approach lighting were restored to service on the extended runway on 22 October and work is now proceeding on the installation of centre-line lighting which will permit landings to lower weather limits than heretofore. This work will be completed shortly. In addition installation of a second instrument landing system for the southern end of the main runway is due to commence in the next week or so. This new precision approach aid will be available for operational use in April next. Tenders were recently received for the replacement of the main radar systems at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports. It is expected that contracts for the required radar systems will be placed next March and that the new radar system for Cork airport should be available for operational use by March 1991.