Vol. 444 No. 6
171 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the EU has yet approved his proposal for investment in two additional stands for aircraft at Shannon Airport, County Clare; if the EU is awaiting a review of the effect of the recent change in stopover policy before giving a decision; and if so, when he expects a decision.
174 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the EU has yet approved his proposal for investment in two additional stands for aircraft at Shannon Airport, County Clare; if the EU is awaiting a review of the effect of the recent change in stopover policy before giving a decision; and if so, when he expects a decision.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 174 together.
Proposals for assistance for airport projects are included in the transport operational programme which will be considered shortly by the EU Commission. In the normal course of events, following approval in principle of the transport operational programme, proposals for Structural Fund assistance for individual airport projects over the years 1994-99 require specific EU approval.
The Aer Rianta development plans for Shannon Airport include additional aircraft parking stands and extension of the pier building at the airport. The company proposes to construct one additional aircraft parking stand and the related pier extension in time for the 1995 peak season. The need for further aircraft parking stands at the airport will be kept under review in the light of traffic in the immediate years ahead.
