Air traffic control capacity and safety
Deputies warned that rising air traffic was straining air traffic control staffing and resources, including on routes used by Irish passengers, and asked about European action. The Minister cited planned Irish investment and London-area spending, said the issue was recognised at European level, and noted that while the individual incident would not be discussed by transport ministers, air traffic control and safety were broader concerns.
Would the Minister agree that what we are witnessing is a problem that could possibly get worse because of increased air traffic on a bilateral basis between the UK and Ireland and in the EC generally? Airport authorities get a direct contribution per passenger increase so their funds have gone up, but there is not agreement within the EC or between the UK and Ireland to start increasing the levels of service which air traffic controllers need in resources and staff. That problem is becoming more obvious with these types of incident occurring more regularly. Is any progress being made in this area and does the Minister accept that this is part of the problem?
Comment on this
I accept the first part of the Deputy's statement to the effect that the increase in traffic has caused problems, particularly at the London airports. I can answer for this Government and my own Department in that we have scheduled £30 million expenditure for increasing the facilities available for air traffic control. I know that about £300 million has been allocated for similar investment in the London area. The EC are fully conscious of what is happening. Various airports have flow control regulations in operation because of the huge increase in the number of aircraft using the airports.
Comment on this
Will the Minister accept that in the EC context the problem I have highlighted will directly affect Irish passengers travelling to European resorts this summer and that there is an undercapacity in manpower and resources affecting the ability of air traffic controllers to handle the number of aircraft flying through the various corridors? What proposals is the Minister putting forward at EC ministerial level to deal with this problem?
Comment on this
The whole problem of proper equipment at airports is dealt with by individual Governments but it is a matter of concern for the Council of Ministers. They are aware of the developing problem. We make our contributions based on what we are doing here.
Comment on this
Given the serious reports on recent near misses, is it planned to discuss this matter at the meeting of European Ministers of Transport? Are there any plans to change air transport policy within Europe?
Comment on this
An individual instance like this would not come up for discussion at the Council of Ministers but the overall problem of air traffic control and safety in the air is dealt with at European level. The European Council are fully conscious of how important and serious these matters are.