Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
558. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify comments he made in February 2017 regarding his apparent support for the potential establishment of a third, privately operated terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15279/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra559. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide further detail on the new review of airport capacity with a view to building a third terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Questions 558 and 559 together.
I am happy to clarify my position on the review of capacity needs at Ireland's State airports. The National Aviation Policy for Ireland, 2015, committed my Department to the commissioning of a high-level strategic capacity review of State airports in 2018. Given the fact that current passenger growth trends are anticipated to continue, and in light of the decision by daa to proceed with the construction of the North Runway Project, I requested that the process of commissioning this capacity review be brought forward.
The review will examine the key elements of airport and airside capacity, namely terminal capacity, apron stands and the runway and taxiway system as well as landside capacity, (particularly the impacts of capacity needs on the wider transport network). It will also review the long term capacity requirements to meet forecasted passenger throughput at the three State airports to 2050 and identify priorities for infrastructure provision.
In addition, the Review will take account of the wider Government objectives and policies for enterprise, tourism and balanced regional development in Ireland, including the goals and objectives set out in the National Planning Framework, Ireland 2040, launched recently by my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
In the case of Dublin Airport only, I have asked that the study assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of the operation of Terminal 3 by the existing airport operator in comparison with being operated on an independent basis.
Tenders for consultants to undertake the review have been received and are being assessed in the Department at present. It is expected that the contract to undertake the review will be awarded to the preferred bidder shortly with the review expected to be completed later this year.
