Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
196. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the experience of local residents in relation to lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15472/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’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
However, I fully recognise that it is important, that in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate views of stakeholders who are concerned about the environmental and aircraft noise impacts at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism.
Therefore, as set out in the General Scheme, before making an order to amend or revoke the passenger cap, I will engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) so it can carry out screening for the making of an order under the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Water Framework Directive. Where these assessments are screened in, the appropriate reports and statements will be prepared and submitted to ACP. In line with the requirements of the EU Directives, ACP will carry out public consultations as part of any assessment it undertakes and will make a determination as to the impacts, if any, that the making of an order will have on the environment. I will take the outcome of those assessments into account when making an order.
Where an order is made under the legislation, I will notify Fingal County Council in its role as the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA), who will take the making of an order into account when carrying out its functions under section 9 of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019. It is also worth noting that ANCA undertakes annual assessments of noise management measures and conducts public consultations when new or amended measures are required. ANCA is currently assessing the noise situation at Dublin Airport, including the impact of proposed planning applications and future capacity increases, and will carry out a public consultation as part of that process.
I also note that the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Transport has commenced the process for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill and I would encourage all interested parties to make submissions to the Committee in relation to the proposed legislative approach.
