Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 9 March 2005, if he is certain that the red zones at State airports were formally established in 1968 in the first instance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5158/07]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 469: To ask the Minister for Transport further to his confirmation by way of reply to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 15 February 2005, if a scheme showing restrictions that were considered necessary for the purposes of air safety at Shannon Airport was forwarded to Clare County Council in the late 1960s; the reason he has not provided a person (details supplied) with a copy of the said scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 469 together.

As I have stated in previous replies to the House, the red zones were formally established at the State Airports in 1968. I understand that in the late 1960's in the context of drafting a county development plan a scheme showing restrictions that were considered necessary for the purposes of air safety was forwarded to Clare County Council. The subsequent incorporation of such areas into County Development Plans as well as planning policy regarding development therein was and is a matter for the relevant local authority. I understand that it is normal practice for the planning authorities to consult the public about any changes to development plans.

As the schemes outlining these restrictions were an input to the planning process there was no legal requirement for the then Department of Transport and Power to carry out consultations or notifications. The Department would have relied on the public consultation requirements of the Planning system to take account of public concerns. The Department of Transport did not then, and does not now have the power to compel planning authorities to apply its recommendations in relation to red zones.