Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Traffic Congestion.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

78 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he has evaluated the chaos in store for traffic access to and from Dublin Airport if it is permitted to grow from 18 million passengers to a forecast of over 40 million per annum should the Aer Rianta proposal for a fourth runway be realised; his views on whether it is in the interests of the country to decentralise air traffic; and if he will give consideration to an airport to the south-west of Dublin or in the midlands. [23542/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The issues which the Deputy has raised will continue to be kept under review in my Department. At present, however, I am of the view that provided current plans for major public transport infrastructure and services and for complementary traffic management measures are implemented in the coming years, the surface access issues should not prevent Dublin Airport continuing to grow in response to national economic growth. On that basis, I am not considering another airport in the midlands or the Dublin region.

Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 66.

Questions Nos. 80 and 81 answered with Question No. 60.