Airport Policy

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Questions (29)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

29. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 249 and 250 of 4 February 2026, the exact date on which he intends to bring the heads of the Bill addressing the Dublin Airport passenger cap to Government for approval; the Cabinet meeting at which approval of the general scheme is expected to be sought; the month and year in which publication of the Bill is expected; the earliest date on which the legislation is expected to be enacted, based on the current drafting and legislative timetable; and if the proposed legislation will expressly override or disapply the existing passenger cap planning condition and set out the statutory position regarding the consideration of that condition by the Irish Aviation Authority in future slot allocation decisions. [10683/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

On 10 February I secured agreement from Cabinet for the legislative approach to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap as set out in the General Scheme for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 and to proceed to formal drafting of the Bill.

The legislation has been placed on the priority list for drafting, and I am committed to introducing the legislation swiftly and progressing it through to enactment as early as possible in 2026.

Under the General Scheme, I, as the Minister for Transport will be empowered to revoke or amend the 32m passenger cap planning condition. Before making an Order, I will engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála who will carry out any relevant environmental assessments required under EU law.

A copy of the General Scheme for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 which sets out details of the legislative approach is available on my Department's website.