RYANAIR is upset by Dublin Airport's plans to build a new £89 million runway
to cater for an expected surge in passenger numbers.
The no-frills airline, which is one of the airport's main customers, argues
there was absolutely no need for the facility.
Deputy Chief Executive of Ryanair, Michael Cawley, said: "Dublin Airport
already has three runways and does not need this additional facility."
At Dublin Airport, passenger numbers are expected to hit the 17 million mark
this year, but the projection is the figure will reach 20 million within
five years.
Numbers are also increasing at airports in Northern Ireland, with Belfast
International set to record 4.5 million this year and City Airport coming
close to two million.
According to Dublin Airport Director Bob Hilliard, the existing runways will
reach maximum capacity within six years.
He said: "Without the new facility, demand for runway space will exceed
capacity.
"This means aircraft will not be able to land and take off on time, and the
overall expansion of the airport will be curtailed."
The Airport Director said that Dublin considered it prudent to apply for
planning permission at this stage, because of the time taken to go through
all the procedures.
Local residents' groups are expected to raise objections to the plan on the
grounds of an increase in noise and air pollution.
Dublin Airport Authority is expected to undertake a public consultation
process to consider the environmental issues that will arise from the
development.
The new runway, which will be three kilometres long, will replace a shorter
existing facility and will be parallel to the main runway.