Taoiseach condones challenge to Dublin airport passenger cap

Ottoline Spearman

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that legislation to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is important for society and the economy.

The number of passengers allowed into the airport each year is currently capped at 32 million - a figure that was agreed upon with the granting of planning permission for Terminal 2 in 2007.

That year, around 23 million people travelled through the airport, but numbers have since taken off.

In 2024, 33.3 million people passed through, breaching the cap. The DAA, which operates the airport, has also forecasted that the restriction will be surpassed again this year.

Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Martin said that although residents may have concerns, there is no other option but to increase the cap.

"At the broader national level, we do need connectivity into the island. I see no other way out of that. I think the original cap was related to issues that are no longer relevant or applicable."

The cap was suspended by the High Court in November last year, and was later referred to the European Court of Justice, which extended the suspension over the summer.

Meanwhile, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien is seeking Cabinet approval today to draft legislation that removes or amends the cap.

If approved, the bill will be debated in both houses of the Oireachtas once it is drafted.

Cabinet will also discuss the commitment to develop a long-term strategy for Irish airports across Ireland.