The new terminal at Dublin Airport is unlikely to be completed before 2011, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey has said.

An Bord Pleanala has given approval for a new terminal and runway to be built, after the Boards overruled its own inspector’s recommendation to refuse permission for the runway. However, the 760 million euro project now faces delays after Ryanair said it would be taking legal action to prevent the construction of the terminal.

The decision to go ahead with the plans will see the airport double in size. An Bord Pleanala told the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) that it must abide by the 61 planning applications.

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“On behalf of all our passengers, we welcome the fact that we have now received the go-ahead,” said DAA Chief Executive Declan Collier. “Subject to a review of the planning conditions by the Board of the DAA and its approval of initial construction contracts, we hope to begin preliminary construction work on T2 very shortly,” he added.

Chief of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary says he wishes to see an independent second terminal which would act as competition to the DAA’s facility.

The company confirmed it would take legal action, and described the plan as a “gold-plated abusive waste.”

The second terminal, known as T2, is set to be 75,000 square metres. The planning permission will allow the construction of the new terminal building which will provide parking spaces for 19 aircraft, an upgrade of the road network in the airport and provision for a Metro North stop.

(JM/SP)