Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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607. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the proposal to build a second runway at Dublin Airport; the current capacity of Dublin Airport to engage new business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49371/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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613. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding usage of the runways at Dublin Airport; his plans for a new runway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49393/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 613 together.  

The matters raised by the Deputies in relation to the usage of the runways at Dublin Airport, current capacity at the airport and proposals to build a second runway fall within the operational responsibilities of DAA.  It should be noted that DAA operates under a clear commercial mandate, its operations are entirely funded from its own resources and it receives no Government funding.  Accordingly, I have referred the question to the company for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.

I would like to add, however, that the National Aviation Policy currently being finalised by my Department, supports measures to ensure that the infrastructure necessary for the airport's position as a secondary hub operating to global markets without weight restrictions is available when needed.  My expectation is that such infrastructure will include the provision of a second runway.