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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Airport Development Projects.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

547 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Aer Rianta participated as joint owner in the development of a site (details supplied) whose development it had previously opposed on grounds of interference with the safety, efficiency and further operational needs of the airport; if there are issues of conflict of interests between the commercial interests and the regulatory and planning role of the company in this case; and if he has carried out an investigation of this matter in his capacity as policy director of the sector. [25537/03]

Aer Rianta has a statutory mandate to manage and develop the State airports, including Dublin Airport. Planning issues relating to developments in the vicinity of Dublin Airport are a matter for the relevant planning authority, in this case Fingal County Council, and An Bord Pleanála.

In relation to the specific matter raised in the Deputy's question, it is open to any person who believes he or she has a case to pursue to avail of the remedies available including, where appropriate, action through the courts. In this particular case, I am aware that a party has lodged a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman regarding his unhappiness with responses which he received from my Department in relation to this issue. My Department is co-operating fully with the Ombudsman's investigation of this complaint.

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