Written answers

Thursday, 2 April 2009

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Transport the role he anticipates for each airport throughout the country in the context of an overall air transport policy plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/09]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 124: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is intended to include all airports throughout the country in air transport plans for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13981/09]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.

My Department's Statement of Strategy for the period 2008-2010 sets out our overall aviation strategy for the period. In general terms, the aim is to promote the development of regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country to key business and tourism markets around the world.

Our policy on the development of airport infrastructure within the country is in line with our approach to the encouragement of air services. The main objective is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to respond to the needs of a competitive airline sector, and to provide vital international access. The programme of investment at Dublin Airport including the provision of Terminal 2 will allow Dublin Airport to respond to the requirements of carriers offering a wide range of long haul, short haul and cargo services and will ensure that the airport continues to be an efficient gateway to the Ireland of the 21st century. New governance arrangements which have now been agreed will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years. Shannon Airport will also be in a strong position to reap the benefits of US pre-clearance facilities, due for introduction at the airport in mid 2009.

The regional airports complement the role of the State airports by helping to ensure that the benefits arising from their success as international gateways are widely distributed throughout the country. We will endeavour to maintain support for their activities insofar as the current difficulties with the public finances permit, as part of a balanced approach which also emphasises the need for the airports to operate on a sustainable commercial basis to the greatest extent possible in serving the needs of their respective catchment areas.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.