Duncan Smith
Question:164. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his plans to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/26]
View answerThursday, 26 February 2026
Questions (164)
Written answers
Ireland’s National Aviation Policy supports the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, and the Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport as soon as possible.
In line with that commitment, on 10 February I secured Government approval for the legislative approach to be taken to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition and to proceed to the formal drafting of a Bill. The proposed legislative approach will allow me, as the Minister for Transport, to make an order amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap planning condition subject to positive outcomes to environmental assessments required under EU law. The proposed legislation also precludes the imposition of future passenger caps.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport has commenced the process for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill, and my officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the formal drafting of the Bill.
I hope to progress the Bill through to enactment as early as possible in 2026.
In parallel with the legislation I am progressing, daa has submitted its “Infrastructure Application” to Fingal County Council which is progressing through the planning process. This application seeks to increase the passenger cap to 40m passengers per annum and to build additional infrastructure, including new piers and aircraft stands required to facilitate future passenger growth. A decision on that planning application is expected early in 2027.