Fingal County Council has approved a 20-year development plan for Dublin airport which will allow for a third terminal to the west of the existing airport.
The master plan will control all airport development, including runways, terminals, aircraft facilities, transport, parking and commercial facilities on a 1,084 hectare site.
The plan was put out to public consultation in April, and despite opposition from north Dublin residents, particularly Uproar (United Portmarnock Residents Opposing Another Runway), councillors last night agreed by 15 to five to adopt it.
It details already planned infrastructure up to 2011, such as the new runway and second terminal building, both due to begin operations in 2009.
It also makes provision for a third terminal to accommodate a growth in passenger numbers from the current 18.5 million a year to almost 40 million in 2025.
The plan sets out the road improvements necessary for current airport needs and future expansion, including new access points to the west of the airport which is currently only accessible from the east.
The council estimates the new road network will cost more than €200 million, and is seeking Government funding. The metro, to begin operations in 2012, is a crucial element of the plan.
Two new hotels, one budget and one upmarket, are also allowed for under the plan.
