Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the increase in costs for the proposed second terminal for Dublin Airport since its announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42000/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Following a wide-ranging consultation process involving users, statutory authorities and other interested parties, last August the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) published its proposals for a second terminal at Dublin Airport (T2). The planning application for the proposed new terminal was approved, with conditions, by Fingal County Council in October last. Subject to the outcome of the planning appeal process, construction of the new terminal will begin in summer 2007.

The DAA has informed me that as part of this consultation process it was made aware of the updated expansion of some of the key airlines operating out of Dublin Airport. To accommodate this growth the DAA decided to develop a 75,000 sq. metre terminal instead of the initially planned 50,000 metre facility.

I would also point out that the consultants appointed by my Department to verify the specification and cost of the second terminal concluded that the methodology, approach and execution of the planning objectives and considerations for passengers adopted by the DAA accords with best practice. They also found that the estimated cost of the new terminal is within industry norms for this type of project in a European capital city. A copy of the report is available on my Departments website (www.transport.ie).