Extension of airport terminal permitted

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been granted permission by An Bord Pleanála to extend its existing terminal at Dublin airport by almost 7,500 square metres.

The planning authority dismissed appeals by Ryanair and the Portmarnock Community Association, both of which accused the DAA of haphazard planning for making its application separately to that for the new terminal, T2.

The decision comes just one working day after the High Court prevented Ryanair from bringing a further legal challenge to the granting of planning permission for T2.

The €55 million extension is designed to cope with the growth in passenger numbers from Pier A and the recently opened Pier D. To be built in the northwestern corner of the terminal, it will provide additional space for passengers, check-in desks, and retail and restaurant space.

The board granted permission on the basis that the extension was in accordance with national policy to expand and enhance the level of service at Dublin airport. It added that the development would not result in an increase in air emissions and noise at the airport and would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity.

However, in the conditions for granting permission the board said that new extension must not push the combined capacity of T1 and T2, granted permission last August, over 32 million passengers per annum. An increase in this capacity could only be allowed under a new planning application, the board said.

The DAA yesterday welcomed the board's decision.