IBEC supports increased passenger charges to pay for new Dublin terminal

Airline Industry Information, Sept 26, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Higher passenger charges should be used to finance the expansion of Dublin Airport, according to an employers' group.

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) supports the proposal to increase passenger charges from EUR5 to EUR7.50 for the new terminal to be constructed by the Dublin Airport Authority. The new terminal will reportedly be 50,000 square metres and the estimated cost is EUR200m. The terminal will be able to handle 15 million passengers annually, the online edition of the Irish Examiner reported.

IBEC's director of enterprise Brendan Butler said that, although the increase is a significant one, the passenger charge at the airport has not increased since the late 1980s. Butler also thinks that the congestion at the current Dublin Airport facility creates a negative impression.

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