Major Development planned for the Airport

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is planning a major new business development at the airport, in what could be one of the first new office builds in the capital for years.

The authority is planning to develop a 20-acre site beside Terminal 2, and is aiming it squarely at the high-tech sector.

The DAA has retained a planning team to work out what would be the best economic proposition for its development, as it looks to capitalise on the transport links to the rest of the world.

The authority has engaged the architects and masterplanners KCAP to lead a consortium of consultants including McGarry Ni Eanaigh Architects, Atelier Dreiseitl, Arup, Bannon Commercial and Stephen Little & Associates to come up with a masterplan for the entire site, which is due for completion later this year.

Once that is complete it will facilitate the launch of the first stage of the development, which will include the refurbishment of the former Aer Lingus Head Office that comprises 10,000 sq. m. of office accommodation.

Any development at the site is some time away, but the news that a masterplan is being created will likely be welcomed by business groups as they deal with a crippling shortage of suitable office space in Dublin and around the country.

While rents are increasing steadily, particularly in the capital, they are still not seen to be at a level that would warrant new construction.