Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:53 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence his views on the suggestion that Baldonnel should be used as a civilian airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.
Michael Creed
Ceist:81 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the recent meetings, if any, he has had with various parties who have expressed an interest in developing Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26318/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 81 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 use of Baldonnel for civil aviation purposes is a matter for consideration by the Minister for Public Enterprise in consultation with myself 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 and I understand that the report will be submitted to the Ministers concerned very shortly.
This report will help in assessing the position of Baldonnel against that wider policy backdrop. Following consideration of the report it is intended that the Minister for Public Enterprise and myself will report to Government with specific recommendations in regard to the future of Baldonnel. It would not be appropriate for me at this stage to speculate on what these recommendations will be.