John Gormley
Ceist:245 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the views, if any, he has regarding plans for the establishment of a commercial airport in Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18326/99]
Written Answers. - Baldonnel Airport.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:250 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the Government's view as to whether a civil airport should be developed in Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17672/99]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:251 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made to provide a civilian airport at Baldonnel; and, if so, the studies undertaken to determine the direction of the flight path to the airport, the noise impact of aircraft on residents living on the flight path and to ensure that noise levels fall within those limits accepted internationally as appropriate to residential areas. [17715/99]
Alan Shatter
Ceist:262 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the Government's view as to whether a civil airport should be developed in Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18300/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245, 250, 251 and 262 together.
In recent times a number of approaches have been made by private concerns regarding the possible use of facilities at Baldonnel Aerodrome. My main concern, in examining these proposals, would be to protect the military aviation interests at the aerodrome. The question of extending usage of these facilities for hire or reward requires careful consideration as it may have implications regarding licensing of the facility for commercial use. However, the greater utilisation of this underused resource could have benefits for both military and civil aviation in Ireland.
The other implications of the greater use of Baldonnel by private companies are appropriate for consideration by the Minister for Public Enterprise in the context of overall airports policy generally. In that regard I am aware that advisers have been appointed jointly by the Minister for Public Enterprise and the Minister for Finance to assist in the examination of Aer Rianta's report on its future strategic direction. This report will help in assessing the position of Baldonnel against that wider policy backdrop. I understand that the advisers will complete their work in the near future. Following consideration of the report it is intended that the Minister for Public Enterprise and myself will report to Government with specific proposals in respect of Baldonnel. Since no decision has yet been taken in the matter, no studies of the type mentioned by Deputy Mitchell have been undertaken.