Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Transport the discussions his Department had with the Department of Defence and the Irish Aviation Authority in regard to recent changes at Weston Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36084/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that there are proposed changes at Weston Aerodrome which have the potential to affect military airspace. My Department has not discussed this with the Department of Defence as it is not a matter for which the Department of Transport has responsibility. This issue, and many other aspects of this proposal concerning the interface between military air traffic, traffic from Weston and other civil users of the airspace, will be considered in discussions between the principal interested parties, that is, the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, Weston airport management and representatives of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Neither has my Department had any discussions with the IAA on any changes at Weston as these are not matters for which the Department of Transport has responsibility.

Weston Aerodrome is a privately owned aerodrome which has been operating since 1938. It is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority in accordance with the Aerodrome and Visual Ground Aids Order, SI No. 334 of 2000, and in issuing the licence the authority's remit extends to aviation safety standards. The IAA licenses Weston having regard to the standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in annex 14 to the Chicago Convention. The IAA applies international standards to the regulation of aviation safety, including matters such as airspace design and rules of the air.

The local authorities are responsible for land use planning 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 No. 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. I understand that the authority is quite satisfied with the safety levels at Weston Aerodrome.