There is increasing speculation that the board of the Dublin Airport Authority will formally recommend to the Government that it proceed with construction of the Pier D extension at Dublin Airport.
Some years ago, Aer Rianta proposed building Pier D, a relatively low cost extension to the current terminal which would have relieved some congestion until a second terminal was built.
However, former Transport Minister Seamus Brennan specifically instructed Aer Rianta not to go ahead with Pier D, a decision which forced the airport authority to write off around €3m in preparatory costs. But now it seems Pier D is back on the agenda.
Last week, the Dublin Airport Authority, which replaced Aer Rianta, advertised in the European Journal that it might be seeking tenders to construct the extension to alleviate congestion at the current terminal.
A number of sources say that Pier D could be constructed more quickly than a fully fledged terminal, and that no matter who the contract for the terminal is given to, Pier D is the quickest way to supply much needed additional capacity.
The DAA has declined to comment, but sources say the advertisements for tenders were put in to allow speedy progress if the idea receives Government approval.
Proposals for a full second terminal at the airport are expected to be discussed at the next cabinet meeting on 22 March.
