The Transport Minister Shane Ross has said a third terminal is "on the table" for Dublin Airport.
A capacity review of the county's airports has been published by the Department of Transport.
Commenting on the report, Minister Ross said he was "acutely aware" of the dependence of the national economy on Ireland's airports, particularly Dublin.
"I want to ensure that there is an open approach to the policy options for expansion of Dublin Airport and specifically an examination of the merit of introducing competition in the provision of terminal services.
"The report confirms that this is a possible option.
The review has looked at existing/planned airport capacity and identified priorities.