Vol. 508 No. 1
230 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will arrange with Aer Rianta to make facilities available for aviation enthusiasts or plane spotters; if she will ask Aer Rianta to include in its current expansion plans platforms or observation balconies which can be used by such enthusiasts as these are common place facilities available in Britain and Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17702/99]
At Dublin Airport the viewing facility within the terminal building on the mezzanine floor has been removed from public use to accommodate building work associated with the integration of the new terminal extension and the main terminal building. Space constraints at Dublin Airport have not allowed for the provision of an alternate viewing balcony at this time. Planning is ongoing for the inclusion of public viewing facilities after the enlargement of the terminal building at Dublin Airport, subject to operational, commercial and security requirements.
A dedicated plane-spotter facility is available, at the touchdown point on runway 28 on the old Collinstown Lane and a more informal site is located off runway 23 beside the Forrest Little Golf Course. These are used extensively.
At Shannon Airport a new observation balcony is included in the new terminal development at Shannon and will be user friendly for plane spotters as it is being constructed on top of the terminal building overlooking the entire airfield. The facility will be available early in the New Year. There are many areas around the airport perimeter fence available to aviation enthusiasts to view aircraft movements, as both runway ends are adjacent to public roads.
At Cork Airport there is a large glass indoor balcony overlooking the airside, which is known as the Liberty Stream Balcony. This gives an extensive view of the apron, runway and the entire airside area. There are also many public viewing areas available along the public road.
