James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of an airport for the midlands regions and in particular the extension of an airstrip at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, Abbeyshrule, County Longford to facilitate improved accessibility to the midlands to promote investment, employment opportunities and growth in tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45809/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The existing network of State airports and regional airports is adequate to cater for the air transport needs of all parts of the country for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, I have no plans to develop any new airport in the midlands region. The long-standing policy of my Department is that private interests may develop airports in whatever location they wish, as long as the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority are met and planning permission is secured.