Dublin Airport 'may need third terminal'

Dublin Airport's second terminal is not set to open until 2010 but it has already been suggested that a third passenger facility will be necessary by 2012.

A study commissioned by businessman Ulick McEvaddy claims that up to 32 million people a year could be using Dublin Airport by 2012, meaning that no fewer than three terminals would be necessary if congestion problems are to be avoided.

However Mr McEvaddy's report could have been influenced by his own interests, as the businessman wants to build a third facility on land he owns close to the airport, the Irish Independent reports.

Dublin Airport has experienced substantial passenger growth recently - last week it was announced that 2.4 million people used the hub in August, nine per cent more than the previous year.

The hub's operator said that, while there is "no dispute" that it will need a third terminal, there is no need for construction plans to begin soon.

"If passenger traffic were to grow by our higher forecasts, we expect to need a third terminal by 2014-2015. Lower forecasts would see it needed by 2018," a spokesperson for the Dublin Airport Authority told the Irish Independent.

"There is no need to plan a third terminal until T2 is open in 2010."

Commenting on the recent rises in passenger numbers, the spokesperson said that this "huge bubble of growth" was attributable to Ryanair's decision to expand.