There will be 10 gates in each of the airport’s two terminals. These gates will electronically check the biometric authenticity of a passport and check that the holder’s facial features match those contained on the passport’s electronic chip.
The passenger will be allowed to exit the gate once the machine gives the all clear. These e-Gate systems use a passport reader and camera to perform immigration checks, but their operation is always monitored by an immigration officer.
Phase one of the project will allow Irish, EU, EEA and Swiss travellers over the age of 18 with electronic passports to use the e-Gates.
Following the first phase, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will examine its scope for extending the e-Gate use to non-EU passport holders, to allow easier entry for regular visitors such as business travellers.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon, who was once the subject of a major Hot Press Interview, has welcomed the introduction of electronic passport machines at Dublin Airport.
Minister Cannon said: “They can speed up immigration, because one officer is able to supervise several machines. The installation of these gates will speed up the movement of passengers which will as a consequence reduce queuing times.
“Apart from enhancing the passenger experience, these e-Gates will also augment immigration controls and security checks by using advanced facial recognition technology and integration with national and international watch lists.”