Construction of the proposed "Pier D" at Dublin Airport will proceed immediately following a decision by the Government this afternoon.
Funding for the project - estimated to cost between £15 - £20 million - will come from Aer Rianta who will also operate the completed terminal.
The Government said it took a report into Irish tourism and aviation by Professor Rigas Doganis into consideration in making the decision.
The new terminal will meet "the specific needs of all carriers operating at the lower fares end of the market", according to the Government. The Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs O’Rourke, told RTE News today’s plan was "not a pre-election promise. it’s a real facility which will be provided and which will be done in an equitable way ensuring that we bring tourists and that it’s applicable to all airlines who run a low cost factor."
The Department for Public Enterprise will monitor the project to ensure "Aer Rianta provide the facility at the lowest possible cost and have the facility available for the 2003 season."
Following Professor Doganis's advice not to separate management, the government has rejected an offer by Ryanair to operate the facility.
However, Aer Rianta Chairman, Mr Noel Hanlon said "The development of Pier D may not be the correct option for the provision of new facilities. As it was designed in 1997, it does not meet current security and immigration requirements".
"Aer Rianta will provide suitable facilities at Dublin Airport, the location of which, will be decided by the board of Aer Rianta in conjunction with the Minister for Public Enterprise," he added.
Ryanair, who published their third-quarter profits today, have yet to comment on the new terminal.
