Baldonnel - Runway problems may close military airbase

Victor

From http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2001/1122/breaking83.htm

This has been mentioned elsewhere recently, however isn't it odd that the irish Times are picking it up from AFP.

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Runway problems may close military airbase
Last updated: 22-11-01, 21:18

The Government's two executive jets and all defence forces planes could be prevented from using the Republic's only military airbase for six months while the ageing runways are refurbished for safety reasons, a spokesman said today.

A consultant, appointed by the Department for Defence when concerns were raised by a safety audit of the runway, has reported serious deterioration of both runways at Baldonnel Aerodrome, southwest of Dublin.

"He has signalled that the runways and the taxiways have to be upgraded. We are about to engage a civil engineer to draw up the designs and specifications," a Department spokesman said.

The refurbishment work at Baldonnel, which was opened in the 1920s, will take about six months and it is hoped to start in April.

The spokesman said parts of the ageing runways are crumbling and water is pooling in depressions. This raises the risk of aircraft aquaplaning during take-off or landing.

The overhaul could hit regular flights from Baldonnel on the Government aircraft - a 14-seat Gulfstream and the 4-seat Beechcraft

Also under threat is the operation of the fixed-wing planes of the country's small Air Corps - Marchetti trainers, two Casa long-range fishery patrol planes and the police spotter plane. Helicopter operations will not be affected.

The Department said it would investigate whether the planes may be able to use Dublin's commercial airport or if the renovation work could be arranged to allow the runways to remain serviceable on a part-time basis.

AFP

Fidelis

It's old news is it not? I've been reading alot of this aswell lately as you say. But I can't see how it will affect us. It's not as if we need the base at all.