15 April 2024
A Middle Eastern investment consortium is progressing with plans to construct an international airport in Wicklow, Ireland, specifically near Arklow, 60 km south of Dublin, after reaching provisional agreements to acquire over 600 acres of land from local landowners. The investors aim to secure up to 1,000 acres for the East Leinster International Airport Project, which is estimated to generate 47% of its revenue from airport charges such as aircraft parking, boarding bridge, and passenger charges.
According to the investors, preliminary discussions have been held with the Irish Aviation Authority and Wicklow County Council, and the project is awaiting further land acquisition to finalize planning details. However, according to The Irish Times, Wicklow County Council said it has yet to receive any contact about the plans.
The proposed airport, which would feature at least two runways, aims to serve as a transport hub for a major airline upon completion. The location near Arklow was chosen for its existing motorway and rail infrastructure and its Class G airspace status, which is outside Dublin airport's controlled airspace.
The project has attracted experienced professionals for its development, including project manager Michael Kane, but the identities of the Middle Eastern investors remain undisclosed. The airport is positioned as an alternative to Dublin Airport, offering lower costs to international and national carriers.
The development is expected to create 18,500 jobs directly and includes plans for housing and retail projects post-completion. This ambitious project, distinct from a previous airport proposal in 2010, promises a significant return on investment based on its projected revenue streams and the economic viability of the construction and land costs.
This is not the first time that such a proposal has been mooted. In 2010, plans backed by businessman Pascal Taggart envisaged Arklow becoming an international transit hub. The idea of an international airport was given an enthusiastic welcome by members of Wicklow County Council, The Irish Times reported at the time. #1215.2
