Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a critical piece of national infrastructure which has been delayed because of the Minister. Some 18 months ago we were told that primary legislation or a statutory instrument would be put in place to make the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, the competent authority. In response to a previous question, the Minister said he hoped Members would keep asking this question so that he could keep coming in to keep us updated but we are no wiser than we were 18 months ago. The only difference is that the competent authority has changed.

No legislation is ready. No draft heads of Bill are ready and there is huge uncertainty. There is uncertainty from the residents. They have a fear about the capacity of Fingal County Council to implement this. There is fear within the industry that not enough priority is being given to this legislation in order that it will be progressed at speed. If the Minister was so concerned about ensuring this remains a priority and progressed as legislation, he would be meeting all key stakeholders - the residents who have grievances, the chief executive officer, CEO, of Fingal County Council, the Dublin Airport Authority and the CEOs of the various airlines who rely on this service. He must ensure that it is progressed without any further delay because there have been too many delays and they are laid at the Minister's door.

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