Terminal row looms at airport

A ROW is brewing over Aer Rianta's advanced plans to build a new 'Pier D' Dublin airport terminal to accommodate low-cost airlines, in the wake of a report that a proposed private terminal may render the project non-viable.

It was reported yesterday that entrepreneur brothers Des and Ulick McEvaddy, who own 140 acres of land close to the airport, are interested in building a €300 million full-size terminal with retail facilities Aer Lingus and other airlines within the One World Alliance were reported to be potential anchor tenants for the terminal, although the company has indicated it has not yet signed up and is leaving itself open for discussions. Tenders for building the private terminal are due for submission to the Department of Transport by Thursday.

The McEvaddys and their partner, developer Sean Gannon, are expected to make the final listing alongside Ryanair, BAA, TBI, Peel Holdings, Macquaire Airports and the Morrison Group.Expressions of interest in building the terminal are due to the Department of Transport this Thursday.