Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Terminal.

Richard Bruton

Question:

455 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his current plans in relation to the construction of a new independent terminal at Dublin Airport, the framework which he intends to introduce to ensure that there is a level playing pitch for competition between a new entrant and the existing terminal operation, his views on the concern expressed that Dublin Airport will be unable to compete on an equal basis with a new entrant due to the level of debt which he proposes to transfer from Shannon and Cork to the Dublin operation, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22303/03]

Seán Haughey

Question:

457 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he is making to have a new terminal building provided in Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22353/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 457 together.

Dublin Airport is our largest airport and primary international gateway accounting for 15 million passengers last year. Traffic at Dublin Airport is expected to double to 30 million passengers by 2020 and one of the key objectives of our aviation policy is to ensure that our principal gateway airports, including Dublin Airport, are in a position to provide cost-competitive and appropriate infrastructure to meet the current and prospective needs of airlines and other aviation companies, consistent with a commercial mandate.

One of the main issues in An Agreed Programme for Government is the commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at Dublin Airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits.

The report earlier this year by the panel of experts chaired by Mr. Paddy Mullarkey, which assessed the expressions of interest in relation to this matter concluded that such a terminal would be operationally and technically feasible. The panel drew attention to a number of aspects including the need for regulatory arrangements to ensure a level playing field between any new independent terminal operator and the incumbent operator. The panel also believes that an independent terminal is a viable strategic option for the development of Dublin Airport and would elicit considerable market interest.

I am continuing to give urgent attention to the independent terminal concept. I intend to appoint the remaining members of the new board-designate for Dublin Airport shortly and I will ask the chairman-designate, Mr. Gary McGann, for the urgent views of the board in relation to infrastructural development generally at the airport, including its views on the second terminal concept. I will then bring proposals in this matter before the Government.

Question No. 456 answered with Question No. 439 Question No. 457 answered with Question No. 455.