Written Answers. - State Airports.
Tony Killeen
Ceist:
99
Mr. Killeen
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the purpose and legal standing of red safety zones and public safety zones around airports; the way in which they differ; the regulation under which they have been set up and operated to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20256/01]
Tony Killeen
Ceist:
100
Mr. Killeen
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the bodies which will have statutory responsibility for public safety in the vicinity of State airports; if legislative measures are required for the implementation of the proposed public safety zones; if she has made a statutory instrument or instruments for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20257/01]
Tony Killeen
Ceist:
108
Mr. Killeen
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if she will clarify the respective roles of Aer Rianta, the Irish Aviation Authority and the relevant planning authority in relation to public safety zones in the vicinity of airports; if legislation is planned in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20378/01]
Tony Killeen
Ceist:
109
Mr. Killeen
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if a list of all commercial and sporting premises located within red zones at Dublin Airport has been compiled; the number of these which are located on land owned by the Minister or by Aer Rianta; the restrictions which are in place for public gatherings; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20379/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100, 108 and 109 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority was established with effect from 1 January 1994 pursuant to the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993, to exercise powers and functions in relation to safety of air navigation services and regulation of safety at airports in the State. When consulted about proposed developments in the red zones, the IAA advises the planning authorities of any conflict with international aviation safety requirements, and also draws their attention to increased public safety risks in those areas.
The Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998, requires Aer Rianta to take all proper measures for the safety, security, management, control, regulation, operation, marketing and development of its airports. In discharge of that statutory duty, it is a matter for Aer Rianta to decide what representations, if any, it should make to the relevant planning authorities in respect of proposed developments within or in proximity to the State airports.
The planning authorities have the normal statutory responsibility to regulate development in their areas. In doing this, they take account of a wide variety of concerns, including public safety.
The red zones at airports were developed in the 1960s to indicate to the local authorities the areas in which development may need to be restricted, in the interests of aviation safety specifically, and public safety generally. The red zones have traditionally had two functions, namely the aviation safety function of avoiding developments which, potentially, 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, that is, the risk to people on the ground.
This Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, has commissioned consultants to make recommendations for public safety zones in the vicinity of Dublin Airport. The recommendations of ERM will specifically deal with the risk to people on the ground.
This work, when completed, will clarify that the primary agency responsible for aviation safety assessments will continue to be the Irish Aviation Authority, whereas the primary agency in assessing public safety risks will be the relevant planning authority itself. 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.
When the study is completed, the Department of the Environment and Local Government will issue planning guidelines in accordance with the Planning Acts to the local authorities to assist them in their consideration of the public safety aspects of planning applications in the vicinity of airports. It is my understanding that no further statutory or legislative measures are necessary.
I am informed by Aer Rianta that there are a total of 11 locations at Dublin Airport upon which some or all of the buildings which are used for social, operational, commercial and sporting use lie within the red safety areas of the approaches to existing and future runways. They are on land now owned by Aer Rianta and which was transferred from the Minister to Aer Rianta on 1 January 1999. The locations of these premises facilitate a limitation as to their use and/or modification, and/or removal if necessary. Aer Rianta or the Fingal planning authority will be in a position to provide the Deputy with any further information he may require in relation to this.
As regards premises that lie outside the airport boundary but within the red zones and also in relation to restrictions on public gatherings, the Deputy may wish to contact Fingal Planning Authority.
