asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether during present redevelopment at Dublin Airport consideration will be given to the resiting of runways, with a view to reducing the existing noise nuisance in the Finglas/Ballymun area.

The plans for Dublin Airport provide for the construction of parallel runways in an east/west direction. This is the optimum direction having regard to the topography of the airport area and to wind velocity, visibility and cloud ceiling conditions at the airport based on records over a period of 15 years. It is proposed to construct the north runway first and to have it in service in about five years time.

When the new east/west runway comes into service there should be a reduction in noise in the Finglas/ Ballymun area.

89.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his Department have carried out any surveys in areas close to Dublin Airport; and whether he is satisfied that existing noise nuisance is not a danger to the health of people especially the young.

The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have recently furnished a report to me at my request on the Evaluation of Noise at Dublin Airport, which is at present being examined in my Department. I have also recently engaged a firm of specialist consultants to examine the general question of aircraft noise, present and anticipated, at Dublin Airport and in its vicinity. The consultants' report is expected to be ready within the next few months.

When the report is received and has been examined, I will, of course, consult with the Minister for Health in this matter.

Would the Minister include Cork in that?

We shall make a start with Dublin.

Will this include jumbo jets?

Of course. This is part of the anticipated problem.

When you have dealt with Dublin will you move on to Cork and give the same service?

Yes, we shall do it in Cork and Shannon. The results of this evaluation will be relevant to the other two airports.

I compliment the Minister on being the first to carry out this necessary survey.

Thank you, Deputy. I may say that Deputy Tunney originated my interest in this matter by his many valuable comments on it.