Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 7

Written Answers. - Casement Aerodrome.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

93 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the transport workshops at Casement Aerodrome which have been the subject of a prohibition order by the Health and Safety Authority in recent weeks; the plans, if any, which exist to provide a new workshop; if the plan to commence the building of a new workshop has recently been postponed; the number and ranks of the personnel currently engaged full-time on health and safety management within the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4865/98]

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

196 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the transport workshops at Casement Aerodrome which have been subject of a prohibition order by the Health and Safety Authority in recent weeks; the plans, if any, which exist to provide a new workshop; if the plan to commence the building of a new workshop has recently been postponed; the number and ranks of the personnel engaged full-time on health and safety management within the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 196 together.

The premises at Casement Aerodrome used as transport workshops suffered some damage in the recent storms. Following inspection of the entire building by personnel of the Health and Safety Authority a prohibition notice was issued on 10 February 1998 requiring that normal work activity in the building be ceased. The terms of the notice have been complied with.

Plans for the construction of purpose-built transport workshops at the aerodrome are at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that a contract for the project will be placed later this year. Pending construction of the new premises maintenance of the transport fleet will be continued through temporary arrangements.

An officer in the rank of lieutenant has responsibility for overall Air Corps health and safety functions — in addition to certain other Air Corps duties. A non-commissioned officer is appointed full-time to duty in the health and safety area at Casement Aerodrome.