Michael Cahill
Ceist:332. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to examine his views on passenger caps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (332)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government acknowledges that as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world is essential to foster continued economic growth, for communities, and our tourism industry.
This Government is committed to facilitating the growth of our regional airports to support connectivity, the economy, tourism and jobs. The Deputy will be aware that Ireland has a liberalised aviation market and it is a commercial decision for airlines where to fly to and from. The Deputy may be aware that in 2025, passenger numbers increased at a faster rate at regional airports than at Dublin Airport.
Exchequer funding is provided through the Regional Airports Programme which has supported an increase in passenger numbers across all of our regional airports. In addition, in Budget 2026, €4 million was allocated under the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund for the Regional Co-operative Marketing Access Programme. This Programme maximises the opportunities presented by new and existing regional air and sea connectivity, driving visitor numbers to regions through cooperative marketing with airlines and sea carriers, while supporting sustainable growth in local economies and communities.
In February this year I published a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 which delivered on a Programme for Government commitment. This new Exchequer funded Programme will continue to support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity at our regional airports.
The scope of the new Regional Airports Programme for the next five-year period has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. The airports that currently meet the increased eligibility criteria under the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. Over €45m is available to support these airports for capital projects alone.
A €200m investment will also be made by the State owned daa Group in Cork Airport under the Cork Airport Capital Development Plan. This significant investment will future proof the airport’s infrastructure for growth and expansion over the coming years and will further boost tourism, industry and foreign direct investment throughout the South of Ireland.
Ireland’s National Aviation Policy also supports the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, and the Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport as soon as possible. Given that passenger numbers at Dublin Airport in 2025 exceeded 36m passengers, one of the main reasons I am legislating is to ensure that we maintain the connectivity we have to this country through Dublin Airport, and to safeguard jobs and economic growth.
Finally, this government is committed to facilitating passenger growth at all of our airports, and our Programme for Government commitments underpin this policy approach.