Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 7

Written Answers - Dublin Airport Passenger Numbers.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the likely number of passengers who travelled through Dublin Airport in 1995; the estimated numbers for 1996; the developments, if any, required to handle the increasing numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2121/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The likely number of passengers who will travel through Dublin Airport in 1996 is estimated at 8.7 million.

Passenger throughput at the airport in 1995 was 8 million, exceeding the design capacity of the present terminal building, and current forecasts indicate growth to 10 million by 1999. The capacity to handle these anticipated levels of traffic and beyond was examined over recent years in detailed studies made on behalf of Aer Rianta.

Aer Rianta has submitted to my Department a development plan for Dublin Airport which includes a proposal for extension of the existing terminal building. The development plan involves significant capital expenditure and is currently under examination within my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance. This examination will take some time and I will be making an announcement in the matter in due course.