Background to the setting up of the Forum

• Fingal Development Board Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development included the following Action (4.5.2):
  "To establish a Dublin Airport Economic Stakeholders Forum, in 2002, to consider the economic development of the Airport"
  

• Preliminary discussions were held between the Fingal Development Board and Aer Rianta representative about setting up a consultative committee for the Airport in 2003.
  

• The Dublin Airport Authority was established in October 2004.

• In November 2004 the Dublin Airport Authority approached the Fingal Development Board with an amended proposal for the establishment of Dublin Airport Stakeholders Forum.
  

• The Fingal Development Board appointed a Steering Committee in November 2004, comprising the Manager of Fingal County Council, The Cathaoirleach of the Fingal Development Board and the Director of the Dublin Airport Authority to advance the project.
  

• The Committee's brief was to agree preliminary Terms of Reference for a Stakeholders Forum document and agree a modus operandi on the appointment of an independent Chairperson.
  

• A first draft of what has becom known as the 'Forum Document' was circulated to the Fingal Development Board on the 23rd March 2005.  Members were invited to send in submissions on the draft by close of business on the 5th May 2005.  The Board then apporved the final draft document, incorporating suggested amendments on the 1st July 2005.
  

• This document (a copy of which was circulated with the nomination letter) addresses issues such as the purpose of the Forum, representation, possible agenda items and the organisation of meetings.
  

• Following the meeting the Steering Group reconvened and proposed Dr. D. O'Hare, former President of Dublin City University as Chairperson of the Forum.  Dr. O'Hare accepted the group's offer in August 2005.
  

          Letters inviting nominees onto the Forum were issued on the 31st August 2005.

• Following representations from the Steering Group the Board agreed to the addition of a nominee from the Airline Operating Committee on to the Forum (21st September 2005).
  

• The Inaugural Meeting of the Forum took place on the 6th October 2005.