It is 'essential' a third terminal for Dublin Airport is built within five years, the company planning a bid for one has claimed. 

DA Terminal 3 Ltd will submit a full planning application within the next six weeks and are hopeful Fingal County Council will approve it.

A previous bid was turned down but, speaking to The Hard Shoulder, businessman Ulick McEvaddy said a lot of water has “gone under the bridge” since they last submitted.

“The Oxford economic report very clearly set out that a third terminal is needed in [a] short time frame and that it’s in the best interests of Ireland’s economic future to have an independent third terminal,” he said.

“It also identified the western campus as the place where it is cheapest, easiest and less disruptive to the travelling public to create the terminal.

“The Government’s own report said that - not me.”

Concept plans for a third terminal at Dublin Airport. Image: D. A. Terminal 3 Ltd

Currently, only 32 million passengers may use Dublin Airport every year.

The DAA has asked Fingal County Council to increase the passenger cap to 40 million annually - a proposal that has divided opinion.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has given his backing to the project, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has insisted it is a matter for Fingal County Council.

Mr McEvaddy believes the DAA will receive a positive response they hope for.

“We offered the DAA the opportunity to buy the land because we don’t want to stunt the growth of Dublin Airport,” he said.

“It’s essential that Terminal 3 is built and open within five years.”

Concept plans for a new third terminal at Dublin Airport. Image: D. A. Terminal 3 Ltd

The cost of a new terminal for the airport has been estimated at €2.2 billion but Mr McEvaddy is unconcerned about raising the cash for the project.

“A large number of funds have been in discussion with us,” he said.

“Once we get the go ahead with planning, it’ll be no problem funding it is my understanding.”

Opponents of a third terminal have said they are concerned it would increase noise pollution in the local area.

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Main image: Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport.