Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
44. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on the development of a new civil aviation policy; if such a policy will take cognisance of the issues affecting residents who live adjacent to small airfields and the regulations needed to protect their quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22958/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to the development of a new civil aviation policy.
A consultation paper on the development of a new civil aviation policy was published on my Department's website on 1 March this year inviting submissions from stakeholders and interested parties by 30 June 2013. Following receipt of submissions a draft National Aviation Policy Statement will be issued in the second half of this year, with a view to a final policy document being published in early 2014.
The consultation paper covers eight broad areas: Airports, Air Services, Regulation and Governance, Aircraft Leasing and Finance, Aerospace, Education and Training, General Aviation and Sustainability. The issue of airport noise is covered in the Sustainability section. The range of issues set out in the consultation document is my no means an exhaustive list and I look forward to hearing the views of all interested parties during the consultation.
If the Deputy, or his constituents, have particular issues that they believe should be considered within the new policy, I would encourage them to make a submission by deadline.
