The board of the Dublin Airport authority has begun the search for a new chief executive.

In an advertisement placed today, candidates are asked to apply for the post which carries a seven-year term.

The total remuneration involved has not been disclosed, but it is likely to be at least €300,000.

This was the salary, bonus and pension contribution paid to chief executives annually at Aer Rianta.

According to the advertisement one of the most immediate challenges facing the "executive team" at the authority is the provision of "new terminal capacity" and relieving congestion at Dublin Airport.

Under the State Airports Act, the Dublin Airport Authority will have responsibility for the Great Southern Hotel chain, overseas airport investments and the retail operations of Aer Rianta International.