Dublin Airport lodges plans to expand Pier 1 West building

Gordon Deegan

Dublin airport operator DAA has submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council seeking permission to expand the airport's existing Pier 1 West building.

The proposed development will add a second storey to the western end of the current structure, increasing the floorspace by 1,080 square metres.

The expansion forms part of DAA’s long-term infrastructure strategy to ensure Dublin Airport can meet the demands of a growing population and economy.

The development will include two new boarding gates, two external vertical circulation cores, a cantilevered structure and enclosed plant, communications and electrical rooms.

Internally, the extension will deliver enhanced passenger facilities, including additional seating, food and beverage outlets and upgraded toilet amenities.

The project is designed to significantly improve the passenger experience and operational efficiency at Dublin Airport by addressing current overcrowding and circulation challenges.

“This extension is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s a vital step in enhancing the passenger experience at Dublin Airport,” said Vincent Harrison, chief commercial and development officer at DAA.

“As we work towards securing approval for our Infrastructure Application and the removal of the current passenger cap, this much-needed expansion ensures we can continue to meet growing demand and maintain our role as a key driver of tourism, trade, and investment in Ireland’s future.”

The Pier 1 West extension complements DAA’s wider infrastructure application, which outlines a €2.9 billion capital investment programme to expand capacity and improve sustainability across the airport.

DAA submitted its infrastructure application to Fingal County Council in December 2023.

The application seeks permission for significant infrastructure improvements and to increase Dublin Airport’s passenger capacity to 40 million, in line with national aviation policy, the Fingal Development Plan and the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan.

The infrastructure application was a substantial document, comprising 7,000 pages and 700 technical drawings, and was Ireland’s largest planning application in 2023. Key elements include upgrades to Terminal 1, a new pier at Terminal 2, expanded US customs pre-clearance, and a new ground transportation centre.

The programme also supports DAA’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 51 per cent by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050.