Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport if the second terminal at Dublin Airport will be completed on time by 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/07]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Transport the cost benefit analysis his Department has received on the proposed Terminal 2 development at Dublin airport; the way funding will be provided for the project; the return expected on the development; the way charges at Dublin Airport will be raised to cover the cost of this project; and the powers that exist to compel airline operators to use a facility once it is built. [12713/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 124 together.

The Aviation Action Plan, adopted by Government in May 2005 mandated the building of the second terminal at Dublin airport by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). This decision was driven by the urgent need to provide for additional capacity at the airport in response to the significant growth in passenger numbers there in recent years.

Under the DAA Capital Investment Programme, provision is made for the delivery of Terminal Two and associated pier facilities (Pier E). Fingal County Council granted planning permission for the project in October 2006 and this is now under appeal to An Bord Pleanála. An oral hearing will be held by An Bord Pleanála into the planning permission for T2 on 16 April next. I am assured that the DAA is working to the Government deadline to have the terminal operational by 2009.

The DAA are required to take full account of the capital appraisal guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and responsibility for compliance with the guidelines rests with the board of the company.

I would point that, in line with the Government decision of May 2005 mandating the DAA to build Terminal Two, independent experts have since reported to me on the specification and cost of Terminal 2. The experts appointed by my Department 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. The verification team report is available on my Department's website, (www.transport.ie). The Deputy will also be aware that the Commission for Aviation Regulation is currently reviewing Dublin Airport charges in the light of the DAA capital expenditure plans including Terminal 2.