Volunteers needed for Operational Trials at Dublin Airport (July - October)

Trials of individual processes and systems will commence in early July and build through the late summer to a number of advanced trials in September and October. Advance trials will involve the simulation of full passenger journeys through the new terminal and boarding gate pier.

The DAA has set up a special online registration process for individuals and groups who wish to participate in this exciting project and be amongst the first members of the public to view and experience the new facility.

Volunteers can register from today.  As the DAA needs to reflect in its trials, the type of passenger mix expected to travel through Terminal 2 from November, it will select volunteers according to the requirements of each trial and the specific date each is being held.

“We believe these trials represent a unique opportunity for members of the public to help us road test Terminal 2, one of the most important pieces of public transport infrastructure to come on stream for many years,” said Brendan Daly, Director of the DAA’s Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) programme.

“It also offers people the chance to be amongst the first to experience the design and layout of the new building and to see at close hand how it operates.

“We want to replicate the full range of airport scenarios, encountered on a daily basis, and identify and address any issues that arise in advance of our November opening. We need business passengers; passengers with reduced mobility; passengers of all ages and genders; passengers with special requirements; family groups; tour groups; clubs and sports groups. In other words, the full cross-section of passengers who travel through an airport and avail of its various services,” he added.

Volunteer passengers will be provided with specific scripts on the day of the trial, outlining the particular role they will be asked to play. Volunteers and the designated observers who monitor their progress will then complete post trial reports. These will be evaluated in detail and used to fine tune preparations for the opening of Terminal 2 in November.

All volunteer participants in the trials will be provided with catering at the airport and with a goody bag to commemorate the event. All volunteers aged over 18 will be entered into a draw to have a chance to win valuable prizes including a holiday worth €5,000.

Information about Terminal 2

· The budgeted cost of Terminal 2, its associated 420 metre boarding gate facility Pier E, its dedicated energy centre, and a new campus road network is €610 million

· Terminal 2 has been the largest single construction project in Ireland this century with over 2,500 construction workers per day at peak earlier this year and over 1,000 still on site every day into July.

· Terminal 2 will accommodate all scheduled long-haul traffic out of Dublin Airport and has a comfortable capacity of 12-15 million passengers per annum.

· Terminal 2 will allow passengers travelling to the US to clear full US customs, immigration and agriculture controls on departure. This service will be unique to Dublin and Shannon Airports, outside North America.

· Terminal 2 will offer passengers an exciting new travel experience in terms of space, comfort, light and efficient service.

· Terminal 2 will commence passenger operations in November 2010.