Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the proposed construction of Pier D at Dublin Airport by the Dublin Airport Authority; if these represent a change of position from his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8873/05]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the current estimated total cost of the construction of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; when he will announce the Government's decision on the company that will construct and run this terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8880/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.

Passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is forecast to grow from over 17 million in 2004 to 30 million by around 2018. New infrastructural capacity and facilities, both air side and land side, will be needed to cater for this growth, including further terminal capacity. The issue is how best to ensure that additional capacity is provided to meet passenger growth. I recognise that an early decision is desirable on this matter in order that, regardless of how it is provided, adequate terminal capacity is in place at Dublin Airport when required to meet the growth in passenger traffic.

My predecessor directed the former Aer Rianta not to make any irrevocable commitments on the proposed Pier D facility until further notice. In part, this was due to the linkage between the provision of further pier capacity and the concept of a second independent terminal at Dublin Airport.

I am finalising proposals and will bring them to Government shortly. My objective in putting proposals to Government is to ensure the provision of terminal and pier capacity on an efficient, cost effective basis. Pending Government consideration and a decision on these issues, I do not propose to comment on specifics such as the estimated cost of such facilities.