asked the Minister for Transport when he expects Knock Airport to be completed in accordance with the pre-election commitments of the Government; and the total cost of the project.

Work on the construction of the Connaught Regional Airport will continue as planned by the airport development company. The company have indicated that they will not require any increase on the existing Exchequer allocation of £4.35 million this year. Expenditure up to the end of the present contract for earth moving is estimated at £6.6 million. A further £5.6 million will be required to complete the project thus bringing the total cost to £12.2 million. It is expected that the airport will be completed in 1984.

Can the Minister tell me if the expenditure of £12.5 million is for a 6,000 foot runway or a 7,500 foot runway?

I understand it is the longer runway.

Would the Minister elaborate? Would he confirm it is for the 7,500 foot runway?

The Deputy mentioned two runways. I said it is the longer one.