Dublin Airport Authority chairman Gary McGann has resigned from his high profile post, it has been announced.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey acknowledged Mr McGann's contribution to the organisation.

He said: "It is with regret that I have accepted Gary McGann's offer to resign from the board of the Dublin Airport Authority.

"I want to acknowledge the very significant contribution made by Mr McGann since his appointment as Chairman of the DAA in September 2004."

Under Mr McGann's leadership, the DAA delivered infrastructure projects including Pier D, additional Check-in Area 14, new security and immigration facilities to enable Dublin Airport to handle very significant increases in activity, from 15.9m passengers in 2003 to 23.5m in 2008.

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The former Chairman also planned the delivery a major Capital Investment Programme of up to €2bn including the extension of Terminal 1, provision of Terminal 2, a major upgrade of taxiways and other infrastructure and a second runway to ensure that Dublin Airport is well equipped to be the primary international gateway for Ireland for the future.

He implemented significant financial restructuring including disposals of Great Southern Hotels, a minority stake in Birmingham Airport and successfully raising €600m bond finance in difficult market conditions to underpin the investment programme.

Mr McGann also worked closely with the Boards of Shannon and Cork Airports on business planning, appropriate governance arrangements, delivery of substantial infrastructure in Cork, and a restructuring of the cost base in Shannon.

(PR/JM)