Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received any recent request to provide alternative airport facilities in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17618/00]
Written Answers. - Air Services.
I have not received any recent request to provide alternative airport facilities in the Dublin area. As the Deputy is aware, the consultancy study on Aer Rianta's future strategic direction assessed the merits of a second airport for the Dublin area particularly in the context of the possible development by commercial interests of Baldonnel Aerodrome.
With regard to Baldonnel, the advisers see no reason for the Government to hinder commercial development at the aerodrome subject to appropriate planning and Irish Aviation Authority approvals. They believe, however, that while the development of a corporate jet facility on a commercial basis could be viable, a larger scale passenger airport development at Baldonnel would be commercially challenging.
In any case, it has been my understanding for some time that Dublin does not need a second airport in terms of the capacity of Dublin airport to grow for the foreseeable future. I note that the advisers formed the view that Dublin airport is not constrained from a capacity point of view and that it has sufficient capacity to expand and accommodate up to 40 million passengers per annum. The advisers also believe that plans cur rently under consideration to improve surface transport links to the airport will greatly ease current access difficulties.
These issues are addressed in the advisers' report which is publicly available. I am continuing to give careful and detailed consideration to the findings and recommendations of that report with a view to submitting my proposals on the future of Aer Rianta for consideration by Government as soon as possible.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if adequate safety standards are met at all times at each airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17619/00]
My Department has, as part of its strategy for the aviation sector, the objective of ensuring that the standards, the safety and the security of aviation continue to inspire confidence in the use of Irish aviation and our airports.
This policy is based on standards which are set internationally, mainly through the International Civil Aviation Organisation Convention to which Ireland is a signatory. Effect is given to this policy through the air transport and navigation Acts and the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. Both Government policy and the development of these standards is designed to ensure continuing acceptable passenger and aircraft safety levels.
The Irish Aviation Authority has responsibility for regulating the technical and safety aspects of civil aviation and for the provision of air traffic services and it monitors the activities of airlines in this regard. The IAA also oversees aviation safety standards in the operation of Irish aerodromes and I am satisfied that proper procedures are in place to ensure such standards are being met.