The expansion of Weston aerodrome on the Kildare-Dublin border was opposed by many councillors when Kildare County Council discussed the county development plan yesterday.
However, a motion put forward by John McGinley to prohibit its expansion was withdrawn after county manager Niall Bradley warned that the council could be open to a compensation bill as a result.
He also informed councillors that if the clause encouraging the development of the airport in the current plan was removed, it would be against legal advice as it was originally included in the 1999 plan.
After 2½ hours of debate, Katie Ridge's motion to give the council greater control over the future of the aerodrome's development was unanimously supported. She asked that the current status of Weston remain the same, and that any increase or change in its use would require a full assessment by Kildare County Council.
Ms Ridge said any material change in the type and/or capacity of aircraft would require a planning application.
Weston residents said they were delighted with the aerodrome remaining at "Code 1" status. "That will limit the size of aircraft using the aerodrome," said Hugh Collender, spokesman for the Combined Action on Weston Association.
Chief executive of Weston Aerodrome Kieran O'Connor said he was glad the council realised how important the facility was for Kildare and the nation.
Weston had made a submission to develop the aerodrome to include the possibility of taking commercial traffic.
In a letter issued to councillors, the company said there was not an iota of truth in the allegation that Weston was to become a base for Arab interests.
It was responding to allegations by Ms Ridge this week that negotiations were taking place with Arab interests to store aircraft at the facility.
Ms Ridge said South Dublin County Council had informed the council it would object to any development which would result in the intensification of the use of the aerodrome.
Seanan Griffin said Weston currently had an application for retention for works at the airport.
Paul Kelly said there was evidence that the longer runway, outside Code 1 regulations, was being used. He said the council had previously forced the company to cover over part of a runway area with topsoil because it did not have planning permission.
Mr Bradley said the airport would give the county a competitive edge and an advantage over other counties.