Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Tuffy for raising this matter. I understand her concerns clearly. I will outline the current set of circumstances at Weston Aerodrome, which is privately owned, as the Senator is aware. The aerodrome, which has operated since 1938, is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority in accordance with the Irish Aviation Authority (Aerodromes and Visual Ground Aids) Order 2000. The remit of the authority in issuing the licence extends to aviation safety standards. The local authorities are responsible for the planning of land use at and in the vicinity of Weston Aerodrome, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000. In addition, the Irish Aviation Authority is a notice party under the planning and development regulations, SI 600 of 2001, so that any development with the potential to endanger or interfere with the safety or safe and efficient navigation of aircraft is sent to the Irish Aviation Authority.

Weston has been a landmark on the Kildare-Dublin border. The people who have flown there have witnessed enormous changes in aviation from the era of piston engined propeller planes through to the modern jet age and the explosion of commercial air transport. Over this long period, Weston has played a key role in the development of private flying in Ireland, training large numbers of pilots to fly both light aircraft and helicopters. In addition, it numbers among its achievements being the home base for flying sequences in a number of international films made in Ireland and it has provided a very valuable amenity for leisure and corporate aviation and for flying training for almost 70 years. Ireland has played an important part in the history of aviation generally.

With the huge growth in the amount of commercial aviation at Dublin Airport, the opportunities for leisure flying there are now extremely limited. Weston's role in regard to light aviation will be even more important in the years to come. I understand that the new owner has been investing in the development of facilities at Weston. I am sure this will enhance greatly the amenity value of the aerodrome for light aviation in Ireland. It is essential for all of this development to comply fully with the safety requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority and the local authority planning requirements.

In recent years, the development of surrounding areas such as Lucan has resulted in large residential areas being built up close to Weston Aerodrome. I appreciate that new residents have some concerns. The issues of flight paths, minimum flying heights and safety regulation are matters which fall within the remit of the Irish Aviation Authority which is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of aviation safety. The authority is satisfied with the safety levels at Weston aerodrome. Senator Tuffy and the House will appreciate the developments at Dublin Airport where an amount of commercial aviation takes place. It is in the best interests of leisure flying and other matters relating to training in light aircraft and helicopters that it should be separated from the huge volume of commercial aviation in and out of Dublin Airport. Mixing both could cause complications. There is a beneficial impact in separating Weston from this activity.

I understand that some issues have arisen in connection with the possibility of larger aircraft using Weston encroaching on the airspace of Baldonnel Aerodrome, which is the home of the Air Corps and subject to military regulation. Senator Tuffy referred to Department of Defence developments at Weston. I have been informed by the Irish Aviation Authority that it indicated to Weston Aerodrome that it must reach a suitable agreement with the Department of Defence and the Air Corps before such flying activities can be authorised at Weston.

With regard to the substantive issue raised by Senator Tuffy, the regulation of safety at civilian aerodromes is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, for which I have responsibility, and the local authorities responsible for planning matters, which are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche. My Department has no direct role in either area. Consequently, a meeting of the kind proposed by Senator Tuffy requires clarity and an agenda set in regard to what she wishes to achieve. I do not want to say "No" to a meeting which might be beneficial. On the other hand, one must know exactly what the meeting would seek to achieve and on what basis it should be called. It may be unnecessary to have the meeting proposed by the Senator but she may have an input into the authorities which are already meeting, which would achieve what she desires.

The Irish Aviation Authority has met with South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council regarding Weston aerodrome. In the normal routine of business, these meetings are likely to continue to take place in the future, particularly in light of any proposed developments the new owner of Weston may wish to carry out. There is a process in place which must be adhered to in regard to any such meetings with the statutory authorities, depending on the application. I would like to be as helpful as possible to Senator Tuffy and the House. Perhaps she could contact South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council in regard to the progress of the meetings they have had. The authority for which I have responsibility will be happy to assist the Senator. Perhaps she could make direct contact with the new owners of Weston, who might be able to advise her of their proposals for the current and future use of the aerodrome. After exploring that avenue, if I can be of any further assistance, the Senator is more than welcome to contact me.