The Irish government has announced that it has commissioned a review of the rising congestion at Dublin Airport, which will include the possibility of a third terminal. The number of passengers handled by the airport has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2015, a record 25m people passed through, with 27m expected for 2016. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) already has a site reserved for a third facility as part of its future expansion plans, but these could be brought forward if the government deems it necessary.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross confirmed that the review would take place as he gave an update on plans for a new runway. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has had permission to build a second runway since 2007; this expires in August 2017, but Ross said that construction would start early next year, costing US$392m.
According to The Irish Times, the runway has been met with resistance from residential groups, concerned about the increased air traffic. The newspaper also contacted Aer Lingus regarding the potential of a third terminal, with the airline responding that it would prefer the DAA to “tackle a squeeze on aircraft parking and facilities for long-haul and transfer as a priority.” Ross also revealed in his speech that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) will now be responsible for overseeing noise management at the airport.