The response to the Dáil Question on 13 February had two basic objectives. First, it conveyed the information received from Aer Rianta in response to the question itself, that is, Aer Rianta does not have car parks located in the red zones at Dublin airport. Secondly, it was to convey the distinction between aviation safety per se and the concept of public safety in the vicinity of airports and to inform the House of the work in hands between this Department and other agencies to develop public safety zones around our airports.
The red zones at the airports were developed in the 1960s to indicate to the local authorities the areas in which development should be restricted in the interests of aviation safety specifically and public safety generally. The red zones have traditionally had two basic functions, namely, the aviation safety function of avoiding developments which because of their height may interfere with the safe take-off and landing of aircraft, but also avoiding developments which because of their location would add to public safety risks, the risk to people on the ground.
On the establishment of the Irish Aviation Authority in 1994, responsibility for the implementation of aviation safety standards was transferred to that authority. When consulted about proposed developments in the red zones, the IAA advises the planning authorities of any conflict with international aviation safety requirements and draws its attention to the increased public safety risks in those areas.
The work in hand to develop public safety zones around our airports, when completed, will clarify that the primary agency in relation to aviation safety assessments will continue to be the Irish Aviation Authority whereas the primary agency in assessing public safety risks will thereafter be the relevant planning authority. In any event, the planning authorities in accordance with their own statutory obligations and ultimately An Bord Pleanála will continue to decide whether specific development proposals in the vicinity of airports receive planning permission.