asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed air strip at Clifden in the Roundstone Bog, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Roundstone Bog is of international importance and has been ranked as such by the Wildlife Service; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are three species of bird there as listed in Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive; and if he will consider an alternative site for this air strip which would not be so environmentally damaging.
Written Answers. - Roundstone Bog, County Galway.
106.
I am aware of the proposal to develop an airstrip at Clifden in the vicinity of the Roundstone bog complex and of the unique character of the proposed site area in terms of the occurrence of various species of rare plants and birds.
The Department of Tourism and Transport have no specific function in relation to the selection of sites for private airports. My Department's role in relation to the development of private airports is confined to the grant of operating licences where appropriate and assessment of the commercial prospects for projects where applications are being made for financial assistance from the Exchequer or from EC Structural Funds.
More generally, it is understood that an application for planning permission for the Clifden Airport project has been made to Galway County Council and that a decision in the matter is expected shortly. In the case of the development of regional and local airports, planning permission is an essential prerequisite for the granting of operating licences by my Department.