Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department is monitoring the application by a company (details supplied) for a business airport; the role the Irish Aviation Authority plays in dealing with such plans; if his Department will intervene to ensure that adequate community consultation takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14627/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, is the body responsible for issuing aerodrome licences. Weston aerodrome is a privately owned, public licensed aerodrome, and has been for many decades. It was, in fact, established in 1938.

The IAA, as the statutory body responsible for airspace design, has received an airspace change proposal from Weston Limited. The IAA has recently completed public consultations on this proposal. I understand that the matter received wide publicity in the press and that a large number of submissions was received on foot of these public consultations, including from local residents' interests. The IAA is currently assessing and considering the content of the submissions received.

While the regulation of safety at civilian aerodromes and the general safety and efficiency of aviation in this country is a matter for the IAA, local authorities are responsible for planning issues. South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council are responsible for land use and planning at and in the vicinity of Weston, including the nature and extent of operations at the aerodrome. My Department has no statutory role in any of these areas.