Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the report from an economist (details supplied) at a recent energy conference held in Dublin that with the increase in global oil prices and the impact it is having on the steeply rising price of aviation fuel, it is not feasible in the long term to pursue the construction of an additional runway at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34016/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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While matters relating to Ireland's energy supplies do not fall within the remit of my Department, there have been a number of previous occasions when oil prices have shown volatility. This is a global phenomenon and will undoubtedly require a portfolio of solutions including, in the case of aviation, a continued technological drive towards more fuel efficient and less polluting aircraft engines. In the recent past aircraft manufacturers have achieved significant fuel saving efficiencies in the operation of new generation aircraft. Airlines are already responding to changes in the oil market.

I do not believe that curtailing the growth of Dublin Airport by blocking required infrastructural developments such as the proposed second parallel runway is either prudent or feasible. I know of no other country that is considering a review of planned strategic airport infrastructure merely in response to current oil prices. Dublin Airport is, and will remain, critical to our national economy and it is noteworthy that the national spatial strategy acknowledged that the expansion of the level of air services from that airport to a wider range of destinations is essential in the interests of underpinning Ireland's future international competitiveness.