Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 185: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will initiate a cost benefit analysis prior to further consideration of an additional runway at Dublin Airport as required by the Department of Finance guidelines for projects costing over €50 million and considering that Fingal County Council has indicated that without a metro service between Dublin and Swords via Dublin Airport the future viability of the airport in its present form is in serious doubt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27190/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Proposals in relation to the development of Dublin Airport, including the planning and provision of runway capacity, are in the first instance a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airport and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers.

The Dublin Airport Authority submitted its application for planning permission for a new parallel runway to Fingal County Council in December last and that application is currently being processed by the planning authority.

I am informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that the planning authority recently sought further clarification from the company on its planning application including information on forecast growth in passengers and aircraft movements and on a number of surface transport access issues. As the Deputy will be aware, for large infrastructural projects of this nature, it is not unusual for local planning authorities to request additional information.

I do not propose to initiate a cost benefit analysis of the runway project. Compliance with the Department of Finance guidelines on project appraisal is the responsibility of the management and board of the Dublin Airport Authority. I should also point out that the Commission for Aviation Regulation examines Dublin Airport Authority's capital investment programme as part of its regulation of airport charges.