'Time to grow!' Permission sought for exciting new Dublin Airport expansion

Dublin Airport operator daa has submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council seeking permission to extend the existing Pier 1 West building in terminal one.

It's exciting news for holidaymakers as the potential development is set to include two new boarding gates, new food and beverage outlets, additional seating and more toilet facilities.

Some of the external features of the proposal are two vertical circulation cores, a cantilevered structure, enclosed plant, comms and electrical rooms. According to the daa, these additions should 'streamline passenger flows, reduce delays and support a more resilient and sustainable airport operation'. 

According to planning documents, the expansion will see a second storey being added to the western end of the current Pier 1 structure adding 1080 square metres in floor space.

This project, if approved, will complement the daa's infrastructure strategy which aims to ensure the Airport can meet the demands of the growing Irish population and economy as well as combatting overcrowding and circulation issues going forward. 

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The announcement was made prior to one of the busiest periods of the year over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The airport is expecting over half a million passengers with an average of 130,000 each day. 

daa Chief Commercial and Development Officer Vincent Harrison commented: "This extension is not just about bricks and mortar it's a vital step in enhancing the experience at Dublin Airport". Harrison also outlined the motive behind the project stating "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". 

Time to grow! We've today submitted a planning application that would see us add a new 2nd storey to the western end of Pier 1, increasing floorspace and resulting in...

2 new boarding gates
More seating for passengers
More food & drink outlets
Improved toilet facilities pic.twitter.com/qTG1KtUBQC

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) July 30, 2025

The daa have said the expansion will complement the wider infrastructure application which outlines the €2.9 billion Capital investment programme submitted to Fingal county council in December 2023. The motive of the project is to expand capacity and improve sustainability across the Airport.

The operator's ambitious targets include plans aiming to increase Dublin Airport Passenger capacity to 40 million per year. The programme is also in line with daa's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050.