Expansion Plans for Dublin Airport Up for Review

THE aviation regulator will publish a review of Dublin Airport's 1.8bn capital expenditure plan tomorrow, along with the Dublin Airport Authority's own capital expenditure which will be available to the public for the first time.

In a move sure to attract controversy, the regulator will also publish a report on the possibility of introducing a management incentive scheme at the airport which would see bosses awarded bonuses for delivering the development plan on time and on budget.

The publication of all three documents is sure to reignite the long-running row on the airport's development plans, which have been vehemently opposed by Ryanair in particular.

Development

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is currently carrying out a review of the airport's charges. Charges at the airport are currently set at 6.34; the DAA is looking for average charges of 7.50 until 2009 to fund the airport's expanded development plan.

It is understood the review of the airport's plan, which was carried out by consultant Ian Mormon, suggests relatively minor changes and cost cuts, with any changes which would impact the project planning permission ruled out.

A fourth less significant report will also be published tomorrow exploring the possibility of introducing a congestion charge at the airport. This charge would mean that airlines would pay premium landing fees for using the airport at peak times.

Over the coming weeks, the regulator will consider submissions on all four reports, before making a draft determination in three to four weeks' time. Five to six weeks later, a final determination on charges will be made.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.