asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the estimated number of passengers passing through Dublin Airport in 1988; the projected number of passengers for the year 2000; the estimated number of passengers that the airport could handle at full capacity at the present time; and the estimated number after the new runway is provided.
Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Passenger Throughput.
35.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
(i) The passenger throughput at Dublin Airport in 1988 was 4,418,000.
(ii) It is difficult to predict with any degree of certainty what passenger throughput at Dublin Airport is likely to be in the year 2000. However, on the basis of tentative traffic forecasts for the future, passenger throughput at Dublin Airport by the year 2000 could be as high as 10 million passengers per annum.
(iii) The present annual passenger throughput capacity of Dublin Airport is about 5.5 million. The passenger capacity of the airport is determined mainly by terminal and related facilities rather than the airside facilities including runways. Even at present traffic levels the existing terminal and related facilities are operating at close to maximum capacity especially at peak traffic periods. Proposals are being prepared by Aer Rianta to extend terminal facilities at Dublin Airport.