Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Transport the details of a project recently decided by the Cabinet to give the go-ahead to the Dublin Airport Authority to build a second terminal at Dublin Airport; the location of the chosen site for the second terminal; when work will commence on this project; when it is expected to be fully operational; the overall cost of this project; when work on a new pier D will begin and be completed; the cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21223/05]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the call that there have to be changes in work practices by Dublin Airport Authority workers who are to be employed in the proposed second terminal; if such changes are being developed; his further views on whether changes in work practices at the airport are compatible with the terms of agreement signed by the Taoiseach and the trade unions as part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress in July 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21200/05]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Transport the details of the reasons behind the recent Government decision on the construction of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21189/05]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Transport the cost of development of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; the details of the anticipated demolition costs necessary to develop this terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21201/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of terminals which are proposed for Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21511/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Transport when a final picture will emerge in respect of Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21512/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the use of Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21513/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 92, 99, 113 and 201 to 203, inclusive, together.

The Government decision of 18 May last was based on detailed consideration of how best to provide additional terminal capacity at Dublin Airport. Two key considerations were the importance of ensuring the continued overall operational integrity and strategic development of Dublin Airport to meet the needs of current and future users of the airport, both airlines and passengers, combined with the need to ensure that additional terminal capacity is provided within a reasonable timeframe to meet the growth in air traffic.

The Dublin Airport Authority is now in the process of putting in place practical arrangements to deliver the second terminal and additional pier capacity as quickly as possible. This includes Dublin Airport Authority engaging with airline customers to ascertain their requirements. Final decisions on the location and specifications for the second terminal will be made after this consultation with airlines and independent verification of the project scope and costings. The Dublin Airport Authority has indicated that its preliminary assessment indicates that the cost of the new terminal is likely to be in the range €130 million to €190 million depending on the required level of complexity. In addition, site preparation and support infrastructure costs, such as roads, aprons and contact stands, are likely to be in the range of €70 million to €100 million.

As regards Pier D, Dublin Airport Authority has indicated that the estimated cost of delivering the new pier will be between €83 million and €93 million depending on the planning requirements in relation to access to the pier from the existing terminal building.

The second terminal is expected to be operational in 2009 with the extra pier capacity due to come on stream in 2007. The Government decision provides that the operator of the second terminal will be determined following an open tender process. Selection of the successful tenderer will be on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender as judged by an independent expert panel. It is intended that the agreement between the Government and ICTU which was reached in tandem with last year's mid-term review of Sustaining Progress will be reflected appropriately in arrangements for the conduct of the competition. It is too early to determine the work practices which will be required for the operation of the second terminal. A clearer picture will become available once a decision is made on the final terminal specification. Work practices in the second terminal would be a matter for negotiation by the terminal operator.

In the longer term, the number of terminals and indeed the provision of infrastructure in general at Dublin Airport will be dictated by the growth in air traffic through the airport.