Political squabble over need for Dublin airport expansion

Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. RollingNews

A report commissioned by Transport Minister Shane Ross has proposed an independently-run third terminal at Dublin Airport should be in place by 2031 - but it’s not wanted by the authority that runs the airport.

The analysis of the needs of Ireland’s state airports up to 2050 was considered by Cabinet ministers this week.

RTE reported that the analysis said more than 50 million passengers a year will be passing through Dublin Airport annually.

Looking in detail at what is needed to cater for these increased passenger numbers, the study found that an independently owned third terminal would be both feasible and maximize the choice for airlines.

Other alternatives include the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) expanding the current terminals and building a satellite one.

The report also identifies the need for smaller scale expansion at Cork and Shannon.

Following the publication of the review later this week, the government will launch a public consultation on the matter. That’s scheduled to be completed by early January, and a formal decision on the Dublin Airport terminal could be taken by the government soon after.

Shane Ross’s talk of a third terminal at Dublin airport is a distraction from its real needs, say airlines and politicians.

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— The Times IE (@thetimesIE) October 24, 2018

The DAA said its consistent position over the past two years has been that Dublin Airport does not need a new terminal at the moment – but it does need

a new runway, aircraft parking stands, boarding gates, and other facilities, as well as new legislation in relation to the management of aircraft-related noise.

The DAA statement claimed, “This report also seems to fly in the face of the state's National Aviation Policy, which was only adopted three years ago.”

Fianna Fail's transport spokesperson Robert Troy described plans for a third terminal as “premature.”

He told RTE that Dublin Airport needs a second runway and additional piers in order to grow and that Ross’ handling of the second runway issue has been hugely disappointing and inadequate.

It was more important, he said, to put an independent noise regulator in place in order to help the DAA appeal two restrictive planning conditions hindering the construction of the second runway.