19.09.05
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is set to announce plans to build a second terminal south of the existing terminal, in the area currently occupied by rental cars. The DAA has been consulting airlines on the second terminal plan since earlier this summer, and is set to make an announcement this week.
The new terminal is promised for 2009. DAA will announce on Tuesday that it intends to proceed with the design, planning and costing. A decision to proceed with a new Pier D is expected at the same time.
Minister Martin Cullen announced at the beginning of the summer that the government had authorised the building of a second terminal - to be owned by the DAA - and an extension to the existing terminal.
Tánaiste Mary Harney and the Progressive Democrats wanted the private sector to run the project, and a row on the issue led to tensions in the cabinet. A compromise deal provided for the private sector to tender, as well as DAA, to operate the facility.
The latest DAA proposal entails less disruption to passengers and airlines. North Dublin Fianna Fáil backbenchers were opposed to a previously suggested north apron site, which involved demolishing multi-storey airport parking facilities, aircraft hangars and other buildings at an estimated cost of €128 million. The new plan could involve relocating Corballis House, a protected building, to a new site at the airport.
Transport minister Martin Cullen has promised a 'triple safeguard' of 'consultation-verification-regulation'' on the new terminal. The DAA has completed the consultation phase, and final costings and specifications must now be verified by independent experts. Pier D is scheduled to be completed by 2007.
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