Third terminal for Dublin airport?

Booming business at Dublin Airport could lead to the building of a third terminal, it has been suggested.

Though its second passenger facility isn't scheduled to open until 2010, an additional structure could be necessary just two years later, according to businessman Ulick McEvaddy.

His study suggested that with up to 32 million people likely to be using the airport by 2012, a third terminal would be essential for smooth operations.

Though Mr McEvaddy's findings have been questioned - with The Irish Independent pointing out his land ownership near the airport - the hub has experienced notable growth of late.

Some 2.4 million people used Dublin Airport in August, a nine per cent increase from the same period in 2006.

A spokesperson for the Dublin Airport Authority confirmed that a third terminal was indeed on the horizon, but not as soon as Mr McEvaddy suggested.

"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."

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

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