A decision by An Bord Pleanála giving Aer Rianta permission to build a new landing facility at Dublin Airport may be challenged in a judicial review by lowcost airline Ryanair.
An Bord Pleanala today turned down a Ryanair objection, and granted the semi-state body permission to build a facility with 12 new walk-on aircraft stands and an access corridor to the main terminal building.
Ryanair described Aer Rianta's proposed Pier D as a "blatant and profligated attempt to block the proposed site for a second terminal". The airline called on the Government to "proceed immediately with the second and third terminals". The airline said it would review the decision and will be seriously considering a judicial review.
Aer Rianta welcomed the news and said it regrets the delays caused by the appeals to the original planning approval. The airport operator said it hopes to have the facility operational by the end of 2004.
This would require starting work "as soon as possible" according to an Aer Rianta spokesman. It is understood that a request for tenders has been issued. The Aer Rianta board will discuss the decision at its April meeting.
Following the announcement the Minister for Transport Mr Brennan instructed Aer Rianta "not to take any irrevocable steps on the provision of the permanent Pier D facility pending a decision on the independent terminal question, particularly site location".
The Minister said this evening that he was engaged in consultation with a number of interested group about building a separate independent terminal at Dublin Airport. Mr Brennan said he hoped to bring proposals to Cabinet by the End of April.
Although Aer Rianta welcomed the news, no formal decision has yet been made by its board to go ahead with the €70 million scheme.