COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 12, 2011
HEADED ITEM NO. 9
CASEMENT AERODROME - SECURITY ZONE
REPORT:
At the May Council meeting Ministerial correspondence in relation to Casement Aerodrome was discussed. It was agreed that a briefing be held on 31st May, 2011, (date agreed at O, P & F), in order to update Members on the options in relation to Council policy regarding Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell. The relevant corrspondence was a letter dated 17/02/11 from former Minister Eamonn O’Cuiv T.D. in which he outlined Government policy in relation to Casement and a further letter dated 11/04/11 from the current Minister (Alan Shatter T.D.). This correspondence was in response to communication the Council updating the Department of Defence on adopted Development Plan policy in relation to Casement Aerodrome.
Following discussion the Member’s recommended that, prior to any further consideration on matters relating to Casement Aerodrome, a letter should be sent to the Department of Defence clearly stating:
· A request for an outline of the possible scope of the protocol as was suggested in the letter dated the 17/02/11;
· A clarification on the central role of the elected members in the adoption of the County Development Plan and any further variations to it.
· that agreement of a protocol would require the formal approval of the elected members of South Dublin County Council given its effect on Development Plan policy.
A letter in relation to the above issued to the Department on 23rd June 2011. A reply was recieved on 27th July 2011, (listed under correspondence). The letter states that "..the Department takes note of the statutory role of the elected members .........and their formal approval is required for any agreed protocol...............and discussions between ....officials will constitue the review of matters pertaining to Casement Aerodrome for the lifetime of the Development Plan."
Accordingly, subject to the agreement of the members, it is proposed to commence discussions with the Department in this regard. As has been noted by the Department in the letter dated 27th July any proposed protocol emerging from these discussions will be brought before the elected members for approval.