Written answers

Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Department of Defence

Airport Development Projects

8:00 pm

Photo of Charlie O'ConnorCharlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 831: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the development of facilities at Baldonnel aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/06]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, is the principal base of the Air Corps. No change in this regard is contemplated.

Periodic interest by the private sector has been expressed during the past decade or so regarding the use of Casement Aerodrome for civil aviation purposes. The establishment of facilities for civil aviation purposes is primarily a matter for the Minister for Transport. Under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993, however, aerodromes under my authority are precluded from regulation by the Irish Aviation Authority. Only the regulation of military aviation activities at military aerodromes comes within my remit. Before any consideration could be given to having commercial aviation at Baldonnel, it would be necessary to bring Casement Aerodrome within the licensing and regulatory control of the Irish Aviation Authority, which would require an amendment to section 3 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993.

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