Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 6

Written Answers. - Aer Rianta Planning Appeal.

Martin Cullen

Ceist:

172 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he considers it necessary for Aer Rianta, acting as his agent, to appeal against a decision by the Planning Authority to grant planning permission for a proposed development on land near Dublin Airport on the grounds that this land is required for airport expansion purposes, in view of his powers under the Air Navigation and Transport Acts to acquire land for any purpose related to the development of civil aviation; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18532/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Tourism (Mr. Lowry)

Aer Rianta has a statutory mandate under the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1950 to manage Dublin Airport as my agent. An integral part of the responsibility of the company in carrying out its mandate is to ensure the safe and efficient operation and development of the airport. The lodging of appropriate appeals against proposed developments which would impinge on the airport is part of the day to day management of the airport by Aer Rianta.

I understand from Aer Rianta that in the present case, Aer Rianta has not appealed to An Bord Pleanála on the grounds that the land in question is required for airport expansion purposes. The appeal is based on a number of grounds, including the need to control development in the vicinity of the airport to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airport.