Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I initially tabled this Adjournment matter to the Minister of Defence, but I was informed that it was a more appropriate matter for the Minister for Transport. I would like representatives of the Departments of Defence and Transport, south Dublin and Kildare county councils and the Irish Aviation Authority to meet to discuss issues relating to the current and future use of Weston Aerodrome, which is a matter of concern for many interested bodies. I understand that problems are being caused by the failure to give responsibility for the aerodrome to any single authority. An official from the Department of Defence recently wrote to the aerodrome, on behalf of the Minister, to ask whether a proposed development at the aerodrome constitutes a runway and to express concerns about its potential impact. The Department is concerned that if it agrees to allow the aerodrome to be used in the proposed manner, it will be deemed to have sanctioned unauthorised planning. It would be concerned about the development even if it were authorised.

This is an issue of concern for local residents. Baldonnel Aerodrome is quite close to Weston Aerodrome. Many of the matters of concern relate to safety. I do not wish to prejudge the outcome of the meeting between the various interested parties. We need to ensure that future development is considered by such groups. They should come together to form a co-ordinated opinion as a single entity. I hope the meeting I have suggested will help to initiate such a process. I have raised this matter for that reason. I do not know what the Minister of State's response will be, but I hope it is positive. I do not want the current and future development of Weston Aerodrome to be hindered by a lack of co-operation between the various bodies which are interested in its future use and development.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I appreciate that the Minister of State indicated he might consider a meeting in the future. I might come back to him on that. The Department of Defence believes the local authority should not grant certain planning permissions. Perhaps the Department should discuss the issue with the county councils. I may come back to the Minister of State on the matter.