Dublin Airport is getting a new €320 million runway

Construction on the long-awaited project is expected to start in 2017.

By Fora Staff April 7th 2016 2 min read

DUBLIN AIRPORT ANNOUNCED today that it will go ahead with the construction of a new runway with the goal of having it completed by 2020.

The airport will be investing €320 million into the new build – which will begin in earnest in 2017 after enabling works are carried out later this year.

The airport initially received planning permission to build the runway from Fingal County Council almost 10 years ago, but the plans were put on hold due to the fall in passenger numbers brought about by the economic downturn.

Officials from the airport said that the recent rise in passenger numbers and increased revenue meant that a new runway was needed to ensure the continuation of growth and sufficient capacity to accommodate future demand.

The 3.1km runway will be built 1.6km north of the current one.

Future growth

Dublin Airport chief executive Kevin Toland said that the runway would “significantly improve Ireland’s connectivity”.

“We are progressing our plans to deliver the new runway in accordance with the development and pathway for growth outlined in the Government’s National Aviation Policy,” he said.

“Dublin Airport’s North Runway will significantly improve Ireland’s connectivity supporting trade, foreign direct investment and tourism.”

The construction work will support an estimated 1,200 jobs during the development phase.

Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe said the project was “of major strategic importance to Ireland” and had the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the coming years.