52 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he is examining the establishment of a second commercial airport in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4967/96]

I considered very carefully the proposal for the establishement of a second commercial airport for Dublin. The conclusion I reached, having consulted with my Cabinet colleagues, was that the project would not be in the interests of the aviation sector and the economy generally.