The opening of Dublin Airport's new second terminal - T2 - is to play a role in boosting the Irish tourism economy, according to Taioseach Brian Cowen.

Costing more than EUR600m (£512m, US$816m), the facility will be able to cater for up to 15 million passengers a year and will be anchored by flag carrier Aer Lingus. Ireland's government has set a target of increasing the number of annual overseas visitors to eight million by 2015, and it is hoped T2 will help fulfil that ambition.

Cowen said: "We are looking at ways to reduce costs for visitors, improve the attractions we have to offer visitors, and bring in more visitors from new and fast-developing markets. "This new Terminal will be part of that drive to improve international access and boost visitor numbers."