Vol. 395 No. 2
9 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has drawn up a strategic plan for the development of regional airports; whether he considers that County Wexford is adequately serviced at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department are currently drawing up the parameters of a development strategy for both regional and local airports to ensure planned and ordered development for the future. This strategy will cover the optional and financial criteria to be applied in relation to these developments.
The Deputy may wish to know, however, that a development plan for regional airports involving a total expenditure of £5 million has recently been completed by my Department. This plan has upgraded the regional airport network to fully operational levels capable of handling international services and has also established the regional airports as an essential element in the development of tourism in the regions. I intend to actively encourage the further development of the regional airport network over the next few years with the assistance of funding from the EC Structural Funds. It is expected that up to 650,000 passengers will use the regional airports in 1990 with a projected 60,000 passengers at Waterford.
The development plan included provision of £1.35 million for the development of Waterford Airport. In this context I am satisfied that the south east is now adequately served by Waterford Airport and that the development of another regional airport in the County Wexford locality would not be justified.
Is the Minister assuring the House that among the matters being examined at regional airports is the question of airport security? Is he happy with current arrangements for security? Have these been examined by the State Security Committee?
This question refers specifically to County Wexford.
The question refers to the strategic plans for the development of regional airports.
That is right, Deputy, with particular reference to County Wexford.
There is a semi colon. It refers to the development of regional airports.
I did not have any indication that the Deputy would raise security matters at the airports. It would be foolish of me to speculate in the area, but I can tell him in a general way that my Department were satisfied with the security arrangements at regional airports. In view of the Deputy's question we will certainly have another look at the matter.
