Plans for an international airport in Arklow 'make a huge amount of sense', according to a property consultant involved in the project.
It is believed a number of farmers and landowners in south County Wicklow have been approached to sell their land so it to be used in the development of East Leinster International Airport.
A Middle Eastern consortium is looking at plans to build the project which could serve both short and long-haul international flights.
A map for the proposed East Leinster International Airport. Image: SuppliedThe project would need around 800 acres of land – and some 600 acres have reportedly already gone sale agreed.
Local representatives in the area say they have not been made aware of any such plans.
It is understood the location has been chosen due to its close proximity to the N11 motorway and rail services.
An artist's impression of the proposed East Leinster International Airport. Image: SuppliedA property consultant behind the plan told Newstalk a recent meeting with the majority of land owners in the Arklow Bay Hotel "was very positive".
"This design and concept for this airport makes a huge amount of sense - not just from the point of view of connectivity," he said.
"You've got the N11, you've got a train going into Arklow, you've also got a port.
"My understanding is that there's a brand new motorway being connected from the N4 that will connect to the N11.
"That will hopefully link in with one road running from Belfast all the way to Rosslare".
He said he believes the new airport plan could "solve all the problems in Dublin".
An artist's impression of the proposed East Leinster International Airport. Image: SuppliedThe planners say the new airport would have a catchment area of some 1.9 million people.
The plans also include areas for passengers to sleep while waiting for flights, known as sleep pods.
There would also be long and short-term car parking spaces, as well as parking bays and charging facilities for electric vehicles.
An artist's impression of the proposed East Leinster International Airport. Image: SuppliedThe airport could directly create "up to 18,000 jobs" and over 140,000 indirectly, according to the plans.
The news comes almost a week after concept plans for a third terminal at Dublin Airport were submitted to Fingal County Council.
Waterford Airport is also planning a major runway expansion after securing private investment.
Some €12m from Comer Group International in partnership with Bolster Group will pay for half the proposed plan with the Exchequer being asked to match the private funds.
Additional reporting: Alex Rowley
