Middle East consortium looks to establish major airport in Ireland

DUBLIN, Ireland: Reports have surfaced regarding an undisclosed Middle East investment consortium's intentions to develop an international airport near Arklow, Co Wicklow.

According to The Business Post, the consortium has reached preliminary agreements with local farmers and families to acquire approximately 600 acres of land.

Representatives for the group state that the project will necessitate a minimum of 800 acres, with aspirations to secure up to 1,000 acres of land.

Proponents of the initiative assert that the chosen location, situated beyond Dublin Airport's controlled airspace and benefiting from existing motorway infrastructure, presents a compelling alternative to Dublin Airport, offering airlines substantial cost savings.

Despite these claims, Wicklow County Council has indicated that it has not yet been approached regarding the proposed plans.

This is not the first instance of such proposals emerging. Back in 2010, plans endorsed by entrepreneur Pascal Taggart envisioned Arklow transforming into an international transit hub. At the time, The Irish Times reported that the concept of establishing an international airport received enthusiastic support from members of Wicklow County Council.