Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1208: To ask the Minister for Transport when capacity problems at the airport will be overcome to allow the introduction of the Etihad route to Abu Dhabi. [2950/07]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1273: To ask the Minister for Transport the arrangements being put in place at Dublin Airport Authority to ensure the demand for passenger and commercial flights can be met and to ensure new business is not turned away due to the decommissioning of existing stands during construction of Pier E/T2; and the locations at which stands for wide bodied long haul aircraft can be provided pending Terminal 2 completion. [2951/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1208 and 1273 together.

The issues raised by the Deputy are day-to-day operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), in which I have no statutory function. I understand from the DAA that the company makes every effort to maximise the use of its runway, contact stands and terminal resources and facilities to meet demand. The DAA considers the designation of Dublin Airport as a coordinated airport, in terms of slot allocation, as essential to support this process. Without this designation, it is the DAA's view that there will be significant periods of congestion and disruption to the smooth operation of the airport. DAA is awaiting the decision of the Commission for Aviation Regulation in this regard. In the meantime I understand that the DAA will introduce temporary measures, where necessary, to accommodate aircraft demand during the coming years in order to address the anticipated shortfall in stand availability during the capital investment programme. As a consequence, I am informed that the level of service available to operators and the opportunity to avail of a contact stand will depend on the operating times of new services. The planning of new services outside the peak periods will enhance the opportunity to utilise contact stands and available space within the terminal building.