New Runway Announced At Dublin Airport

A new runway is to be delivered for Dublin Airport by daa, it has been announced.

The runway, which will be 3,110 metres in length, will be constructed 1.6km north of the existing main runway. It is anticipated it will be delivered in 2020.

Dublin Airport has said it will invest some €320 million in the project, which will include multiple contracts and packages of work.

Dublin Airport received planning permission to build a new runway in August 2007 but the plans were halted due to the economic downturn, and a fall in passenger numbers. However, a recovery in passenger numbers and increased routes from the airport is thought to have had a significant impact on reintroducing the plans for a new runway.

The current planning permission was granted with 31 conditions attached.

Kevin Toland, daa Chief Executive, said: "Last year was the busiest year ever in the airport's history with a record 25 million passengers travelling in 2015. Passenger numbers continue to grow strongly in 2016 with double digit growth recorded in the first two months of this year.

"We are progressing our plans to deliver the new runway in accordance with the development and pathway for growth outlined in the Government's National Aviation Policy (NAP). Dublin Airport's North Runway will significantly improve Ireland's connectivity supporting trade, foreign direct investment and tourism."

He added: "Driven by demand from airlines and passengers, Dublin Airport's current runway infrastructure is at capacity during the peak hours and this must be addressed to enable future growth.

"The north runway will significantly improve Ireland's connectivity which plays a critical role in growing passenger numbers and sustaining the future economic development of Ireland."

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, commented: "This project is of major strategic importance to Ireland as an island economy, in terms of improved connectivity. It has the potential to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, over the coming years.

"Our National Aviation Policy (NAP) recognises our dependence on aviation for our links with the rest of the world and the importance of ensuring that the sector can continue to grow to underpin economic recovery and development."

Enabling works are due to start later this year with construction of the north runway scheduled to start in 2017. The project will support around 1,200 jobs during its development and generate employment opportunities in the local supply chain for construction materials.

(JP)