There will be no need for a third terminal at Dublin Airport ‘for many, many years’, according to DAA.
The airport operator says it is now “ready for summer” after introducing measures to reduce overcrowding and wait times.
DAA Spokesperson Graeme McQueen told The Pat Kenny Show the airport is expecting 425,000 passengers over the Bank Holiday weekend.
He advised everyone to follow standard advice and arrive at least two hours before short-haul flights.
“We’ve done a big job on both [terminals] to make sure it’s ready for summer,” he said. “A lot of decluttering, adding more seats and family areas, and we're in the process of opening five new food and beverage outlets.”
Mr McQueen said the standard of each terminal is “much better” than previous years as they have increased security and cleaning staff.
Terminal three
“We don't see a need for terminal three anytime soon,” Mr McQueen said. “You're talking many, many years away.”
Mr McQueen said a third terminal would likely be located between the existing two terminals – where planning has been approved for a Metrolink station and new bus stops.
“Building terminal three on the other side of the roadway doesn't make that much sense,” he said. “But we will look at that as an opportunity.”
Parking spaces
Mr McQueen said the airport is “facing a brick wall at the moment” when it comes to car parking – and encouraged anyone planning to use the facilities to book well in advance.
“We have put in a bid to buy the old QuickPark facility, which would get 6,000 spaces back on stream,” he said.
Until then, Dublin Airport will plan accordingly and has advised passengers to remain vigilant of available spaces online.
“Anyone who hasn't booked the car parking space already, we'd urge them to get online pretty quick and have a look,” he said. “Even if they're flying in July and August."
“If you can't find the space online, though, that means that there won't be a space here for you and you do need to look at the alternative options.”
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