Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has plans to build an airport runway near Schull in west Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21537/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently no plans to develop any new regional airports. The existing network of State airports and regional airports is adequate to cater for the air transport needs of all parts of the country for the foreseeable future.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has requested the Dublin Airport Authority to increase freight handling capacity at Dublin Airport; if he is satisfied that either existing or planned capacity can handle anticipated growth rates in cargo carrying, in particular the anticipated growth in trade with Asia. [21539/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The management and operation of Dublin Airport, including the provision of freight handling facilities, is a day-to-day matter for the Dublin Airport Authority and I have no function with regard to the matter. However, for the information of the Deputy, I understand from the Dublin Airport Authority that current capacity at the airport, which comprises over 16,500 square metres of warehousing together with both dedicated and multi-user aircraft stands, is sufficient to meet anticipated demand for air cargo until the end of this decade. I also understand from the Dublin Airport Authority that any new cargo facilities can be accommodated within the airport campus and that the timing of such developments will be driven by demand growth and-or the possible need to extend facilities for passengers into the existing cargo area.