The Government’s decision last week to publish the General Scheme of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill marks a significant step toward resolving the longstanding passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The announcement has been welcomed by both the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien T.D., and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., who highlighted the move as essential to safeguarding Ireland’s connectivity, economic competitiveness and future tourism growth.
Minister O’Brien secured Government approval on 10th February for priority drafting of the Bill, which will allow him to amend or revoke the current 32-million passenger limit. The publication of the General Scheme marks the first concrete step toward delivering commitments set out in the Programme for Government to remove the cap. Minister O’Brien will now bring the legislation through pre-legislative scrutiny with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport before formal drafting proceeds.
Under the proposed legislation, the Minister will be able to make an order adjusting the cap following relevant assessments by An Coimisiún Pleanála in line with EU law. This approach is designed to enable sustainable airport growth while balancing the rights of local residents, the objectives of the National Aviation Policy and the needs of business and tourism.
In parallel with the legislation being progressed, the daa’s “Infrastructure Application” is continuing through the planning system, seeking permission to raise the passenger cap and deliver key capacity enhancing projects including new piers, aircraft stands and an Integrated Transport Centre. Together, these measures provide the infrastructure required to facilitate the increase in passengers.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, also welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the Bill this week. He emphasised that enhanced airport capacity is essential for an island nation whose economy depends on reliable and competitive links with global markets. Minister Burke also noted that greater certainty around capacity planning supports the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, designed to reduce Ireland’s exposure to economic concentration risks by broadening access to international markets.
Dublin Chamber continues to strongly support the removal of the passenger cap and will remain engaged with Government and stakeholders to ensure progress continues at pace.
More information from the Department of Transport can be found here.
More information from the Department of Enterprise, Employment and Tourism can be found here