Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

It must consider very carefully what is happening but do the job it is meant to. It has a €2 billion development in terminal 2, the runway etc., and that is to improve the airport for all its customers, both passengers and airlines. It must concentrate on that project.

The proposed project is fantastic and will have significant value, not just for the immediate area but for the economy as a whole. The authority is to be commended for its foresight. It has land available and it is lucky enough in that it is one of the few airports in Europe which has land that can be used for this kind of purpose. Many airports are totally hindered because of congestion and an inability to expand.

To give a context to the project, it will cost €4 billion and I hope it will generate approximately 30,000 high quality jobs. That is not a project which can be just tagged on, with the same people managing the airport and working on the project. Much project management expertise must be brought it.

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