Review expected to recommend third terminal at Dublin Airport

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has today published a request for tenders (RFT) for A Review of Future Capacity Needs at Ireland’s State airports.

In the case of Dublin Airport, the study is expected to recommend the timeframe for the development of new Terminal 3, as well as an appropriate design and optimum location.

Tenderers will also be asked to assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of the funding and operation of Terminal 3 by the existing airport operator in comparison to being operated on an independent basis.

This review was first announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross on September 22 and concerns the long-term development of Ireland’s State airports to 2050.

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On publication of the RFT Minister Ross said "As an island, airports are vital to Ireland; we depend on air travel and aviation for our links with the rest of the world, both socially and economically.

"Aviation supports our trading relationships and employs tens of thousands. Tourism, our largest indigenous industry, employing over 200,000 people, relies heavily on air travel.

"In 2015 we welcomed over 8.6 million overseas visitors, most of whom will have arrived in Ireland through Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports.

"Irish airports, and Dublin Airport in particular, are experiencing a strong return to growth and we need to have a clear and coherent vision for the future.

"To ensure that our airports are prepared for the longer term, I have asked that this review consider the development of the three State Airports to 2050.

"Consultants will also be asked to identify and prioritise new infrastructure which will be required in the coming years."

The RFT is seeking tenders for consultants to analyse, for each of the three airports, the capacity requirements to meet forecasted passenger throughput to 2050 and to identify priorities for infrastructure provision.

Further information on the Request for Tender is available on the Department’s websiteand the Government’s procurement website.