The competition watchdog has decided to hold an in-depth investigation into the DAA’s proposed acquisition of the site of the former QuickPark car park on the Swords Road in Dublin.

The announcement by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) follows a preliminary probe.

The competition body said that a full investigation was needed in order to establish whether the proposed transaction would or would not result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

Submissions

The State-owned airports operator is seeking to buy the site from property developer Gerry Gannon.

The CCPC has said that any interested third parties can make submissions to the investigation by emailing mergers@ccpc.ie by 4.30pm on 30 August 2023.

The competition watchdog said that it was working to complete its investigation “in a timely manner”, and within the statutory deadlines.

The usual deadline for the CCPC to make a determination in such cases is 120 working days from the date the proposed transaction was notified, or 120 days from the date when parties have provided information requested by the commission.

The CCPC pointed out, however, that its review of the merger proposal had not prevented either party from operating a car-parking business.