Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Transport if Dublin Airport has reached maximum capacity; his plans to provide extra capacity at other or existing airports or new facilities at existing or new locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21533/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am confident that the current levels of airport infrastructure capacity at the three State airports, including the airport infrastructure projects currently under construction, are sufficient to meet Ireland's short to medium term aviation needs.

Over the last 5 years the DAA has invested in a significant capital development programme at Dublin airport that has seen major capacity enhancements to the airfield, terminals and piers. There has also been significant improvements to the airport access and to airport utilities. The delivery of Terminal 2 and Pier E in 2010 will see the completion of the immediate major terminal and pier capacity enhancements at Dublin airport.

In recent years there has also been significant infrastructure capacity improvements at Cork and Shannon airports. The new pre-clearance facility at Shannon airport, which is a very significant capital investment, is due to be completed in July this year. This will provide for the full preclearance of U.S. bound passengers from Shannon.

The current decline in the aviation markets has affected traffic at all airports and in this context DAA has deferred some elements of its proposed capital programme for Dublin airport for the period 2010-2014 including the construction of a second runway. It is currently planned to build a second runway at Dublin Airport when the demand dictates.