Environmental scrutiny planned for Dublin Airport passenger cap

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien intends to ask An Coimisiún Pleanála to carry out environmental assessments needed before he decides whether to make an order addressing Dublin Airport’s passenger cap.

The minister said airport operator daa applied for an order under the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 in August. He has since consulted the planning body on the scope of the environmental impact assessment report and received that report and a Natura impact statement from daa. He intends to submit both for assessment.

“Assessments will involve a full public consultation and I encourage all interested parties to engage in this process to ensure the outcome is as informed as possible,” he said. He will consider the findings before making a final decision and will ask the commission to complete its work within the timelines set out in the Act.

Separately, Fingal County Council is assessing daa’s Infrastructure Application, while the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority is examining noise. The application seeks to raise the cap and add capacity through new piers, aircraft stands and an integrated transport hub. The department says the measures would support growth in passenger and cargo traffic.