Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on proposals to develop a new national airport in the midlands; if he has been briefed on the proposals for same; the contacts he has had with stakeholders involved in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21266/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Private interests may develop airports in whatever location they wish provided that the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority are met and that planning permission is secured it is, of course, a matter for the promoters to satisfy themselves that a new airport can function as a viable commercial entity. My Department has no plans to support the development of any new airports. I should add that there are also significant Dublin Airport Authority investment plans underway to meet national needs in the short to medium term.

In recent weeks my officials met a stakeholder of a proposal to develop an airport in the midlands and the long-standing policy of my Department, as outlined above, was conveyed at that meeting.