Vol. 478 No. 2
147 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans for and commitment to, if any, he has in respect of capital works at Shannon airport; if so, the timescale involved; and the conditions, if any, relating to levels of terminal or transit traffic which apply to financing such works. [10823/97]
In August 1996, my predecessor gave approval in principle for a development programme costing £28.5 million at Shannon airport over the period 1996-2001. Of this figure, £23.5 million relates to a major rationalisation and expansion of the passenger terminal.
The main element of the programme is the refurbishment of the existing arrivals concourse and a major extension to the arrivals building which will house departures and provide an enlarged arrivals concourse.
The remainder of the development relates mainly to new approach road works and relocation of coach, taxi and car hire parking.
On Monday, 21 April 1997, I had the pleasure of performing the sod turning ceremony to commence the development and was pleased to note that the Deputy himself was in attendance.
Aer Rianta's capital development programme at the three State airports is subject to regular formal reviews in order to establish whether the programmes should be accelerated, decelerated or modified in the light of traffic and other developments.
In the case of Shannon, while there are no specific conditions relating to terminal or transit traffic, achievement of projected traffic levels is clearly a critical element of any review. In that regard, I am pleased to say that traffic growth at Shannon to date has surpassed original expectations. Aer Rianta has advised my Department that it expects traffic projections up to the year 2001, on which the development plan has been based, to be achieved.
I should point out that the terminal project forms part of a total investment package, including a new wide bodied aircraft parking stand, extension of the pier building and upgrading of the main runway lighting system to category II status, all of which have just been completed at a cost of £8 million.
