Talks ongoing over second airport terminal - Minister
Transport Minister Martin Cullen today confirmed discussions were still ongoing over a site for a second terminal at Dublin Airport.
Mr Cullen said the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and a facilitator were in advanced discussions over the location and a result was expected by late August.
The minister said he had told the board it was time for delivery and action.
Mr Cullen said he had not received any specific requests from Aer Lingus to run the new terminal, despite reports they had proposed to operate and finance it.
“I’ve no specific requests in that regard but I’m not interested in duopolies either. I’ve seen in other countries where airlines have got their hands on terminals to the detriment of the paying public,” he said.
Airlines have been placing pressure on the Government to allow them to operate the new terminal.
The Government has been looking to maintain ownership of the proposed new terminal with the DAA but is open to other companies operating the facility.
The Transport Minister, who has been holding meetings with the management of each of the state’s main airports, met with the board of the DAA to discuss business plans.
Mr Cullen visited Shannon Airport last week to discuss consider future options for encouraging more operators to use the airport.
The Transport Minister also said he expects the business plans for the three airports – Dublin, Cork and Shannon – to be delivered by the end of the year at the latest.
