David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Transport the plans he has for progressing the promised third terminal at Dublin Airport in view of the An Bord Pleanála decision to grant permission for a smaller terminal than that envisaged necessary in the medium term by the DAA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's primary concern over the last number of years in relation to Dublin Airport has been to ensure that the capacity needs of the airport in the short to medium term were addressed. An Bord Pleanála's recent decision with regard to the granting of permission for the development of phase one of Terminal 2 now provides the basis for moving ahead with that much needed additional capacity.

As to a third terminal, based on current passenger growth rates, I understand that there will be a need for such a terminal in the medium to long term when terminals one and two are at full capacity. My Department is in discussion with the DAA on the future infrastructure needs of the airport. This includes the timescale for planning for the delivery of a third terminal, in line with the Government decision of May 2005. This set as an objective of Government policy the cost effective, efficient and timely delivery of Terminal 3, in line with emerging aviation trends, through an open transparent and competitive process.