Dublin Airport low-cost pier to be built

The low-cost terminal at Dublin Airport has been given the go-ahead.

The Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, has asked Aer Rianta to proceed with Pier D following the publication of an independent report into aviation. Pier D is now expected to be ready for operation by 2003.

The document concludes that landing charges have no impact on low-cost carriers using Irish airports.

It adds that landing fees at Dublin Airport are 'significantly lower' than other European airports.

Ryanair has long maintained that high charges at Aer Rianta airports have meant it has based itself in other locations.