Monday, 12th November 2007

PIER D CRUCIAL MILESTONE FOR IRISH TOURISM
Hoteliers Welcome Opening at Dublin Airport

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today warmly welcomed the opening of the new Pier D at Dublin Airport, stating that it is a crucial catalyst in increasing air access to Ireland and facilitating tourism growth. It states that the delivery of this first major element of the airport’s expansion infrastructure will result in a significant improvement in facilities, congestion and overall visitor experience. The IHF acknowledges the Dublin Airport Authority Board’s success in speedily delivering this vital element of airport infrastructure, and anticipated this same focus now being applied to deliver the much anticipated Terminal Two due for completion in 2009. 

According to John Power, Chief Executive, IHF, the delivery of Pier D is one of the most important development in Ireland’s national aviation infrastructure in the past decade. This, combined with the terminal two planned for 2009, will ensure that Dublin Airport can align with tourism growth plans offering a modern, pleasant facility for visitors to use.  

“The delivery of Pier D on schedule and hopefully the imminent delivery of terminal two also on time in 2009, will facilitate the anticipated growth in Irish leisure and business tourism in the next five years”, says John Power.

“This is excellent news for travellers, consumers, and all those involved in the tourism industry in Ireland. As a dedicated facility for short haul flights to Europe, its 12 new gates will facilitate ten million passengers per year. It is a tremendous achievement and one which will facilitate national ambitions to increase tourism numbers. Now that Pier D is complete and open, we would urge the Dublin Airport Authority to ensure that there are no delays in delivering the second terminal in 2009 to take best advantage of passenger growth and tourism potential.”

 “A highly efficient and cost effective national airport is essential to meeting the evolving needs of airlines and travellers’, creating a good first impression for visitors to Ireland, and ensuring a positive experience for them upon arrival and departure. Today’s opening is a crucial milestone in delivering this,” concludes John Power.

         ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy/Eoin Quinn                 Tel: (01) 676 0168
Weber Shandwick                              or 086 817 5066 / 087 2332 191