Vol. 502 No. 3
178 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's policy in relation to future airport development in the greater Dublin area with reference to Baldonnel; the Government's policy in relation to private airfields, for example an airfield (details supplied) in County Dublin, in view of the fact they need to know the overall governmental policy in relation to this private facility in deciding whether to make further investment in the future. [8498/99]
The question of future airport development in the greater Dublin area, including the possible development of Baldonnel as an aerodrome for civil aviation purposes, is a matter which falls to be considered by me, following consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Defence, against the backdrop of an overall strategy for the airports sector in Ireland.
I have asked the board of Aer Rianta to conduct a fundamental review to establish what would be the most appropriate strategic direction for the company and it will submit a report to me in early April. I am firmly of the view that the question of introducing commercial airport facilities at Baldonnel should be considered within the overall context of that strategic review.
The long standing policy of my Department is that private interests may provide and develop airfields, provided the safety licensing requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority are met and planning permission is secured. I understand that, while encouraging investment which would lead to the improvement of safety standards at the airfield to which the Deputy refers, the Irish Aviation Authority has not encouraged the operators to invest in a commercial development. It would not be within the remit of the authority to do so. It is for the promoters to satisfy themselves that expansion of an existing facility can function as a viable commercial entity.
