Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
144. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the DAA regarding concerns raised by importers and freight operators on congestion, access and cargo handling infrastructure at Dublin Airport; and whether any improvements are planned. [53052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport has engaged extensively with daa, cargo handlers, and freight forwarders through meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagement to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges affecting cargo operations and to identify potential solutions.
Following a stakeholder meeting convened by Department of Transport in February 2025, a number of recommendations were circulated based on feedback from industry participants. These focused on improving coordination, communication, and operational efficiency across the sector.
The daa submitted a planning application in December 2025 for a cargo project to the east of Dublin Airport as part of their Capital Investment Programme 2027-2031 which recognises the facilitation of cargo as a key strategic objective. The East Lands project contains cargo enabling infrastructure, including the safeguarding of new belly-hold cargo facilities with direct access to the South Apron. These sites will more than double the existing belly-hold cargo space, providing sufficient capacity to accommodate future growth.
The Department of Transport continues to engage with daa on longer-term cargo infrastructure requirements and has encouraged greater collaboration between the airport and cargo stakeholders to address current operational pressures.
