Sir, - Andrea Fay (September 28th) asks about the building work going on at Dublin Airport. It is a subject of interest to a wide number of people and it would seem appropriate, therefore, to explain some of the background to the project at this time.
The current phase of the Dublin Airport Development Plan, which involves the doubling of space and facilities for both airlines and passengers in a new terminal extension, is almost complete.
Aer Rianta planned this project in detail in 1994/95 when the first indications of dramatic growth in passenger numbers were apparent, but it was not until 1998 that the building work actually began. You might well ask: why the delay?
Well, there are two main reasons: Firstly, in 1995 Mr Tony Ryan, supported by Ryanair, mounted a campaign to have this terminal development carried out at Baldonnel rather than at Dublin Airport. As a consequence, the development was put on hold while the Baldonnel option was evaluated by the Government.
Secondly, in 1996 Mr Ulick McEvaddy - he of the French villa fame - weighed in with a new proposal to build a second terminal at Dublin Airport on lands adjacent to the airport at Huntstown. Again, this proposal was required to be evaluated by Government and again the terminal project was put on hold. In the event, planning permission for Huntstown was refused by Fingal County Council and its decision was subsequently upheld by An Bord Pleanala. Nevertheless, both these episodes held up the Aer Rianta plans for the best part of three years.
It is ironic that it is these same people who are now the most vocal critics of the delayed terminal project. They caused the delay in the first place and they now complain loudly when the project is behind schedule. It's a neat trick, but one that well serves their various commercial interests.
The terminal project, when completed, will deliver an additional 58 airline check-in desks with attendant space. These desks will come equipped with an automatic baggage-sorting system and an all-baggage screening system. On the arrivals side, the number of baggage reclaim belts has doubled from five to 10, as has the space available to passengers. Extra entrances and exits to facilitate passenger movement are nearing completion.
The terminal project is now in the final stages of commissioning and while this is continuing we accept that conditions are difficult for the travelling public at peak times and we regret that they are not of the standard we would aspire to.
We would ask , however, that judgment be suspended until the final product is in position. - Yours, etc.,
Oliver McCann, Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport.