An objection has been lodged to DAA plans to establish an elevated viewing platform with seating, tables, and sheltered viewing structure, along with 22 car-parking spaces.
The proposed development is seen as an important investment in community facilities at Dublin Airport, aiming to enhance the plane-spotting experience by providing amenities for users.
The new aircraft observation facility will formalize the current informal ‘airport viewing area’ known as ‘The Mound’.
In his submission, Liam O’Grádaigh from the Ward Cross, north county Dublin, argues that the airport should make use of Dublin Airport-zoned grounds for such developments, citing inadequate parking spaces and the absence of toilet facilities. He says the existing lay-by has no zoning designation in the Fingal Development Plan: “DA zoning facilitates car parking and aviation-related activities. Therefore, this application should be refused on the grounds that the airport should utilise DA-zoned grounds. We welcome improvements to the viewing area but this planning application, as it stands, is deficient on a number of grounds. The application has only planned for 22 car-parking spaces which will not cater for demand or future-proof the development for future years. There are no toilet facilities planned which is another serious deficiency. The current site is a traffic hazard, and the limited parking will only add to the risk. The DAA has an opportunity to fully enhance the experience of users at the airport. This minimal development lacks vision.”
Mr O’Grádaigh has previously lodged more than 1,000 complaints with Dublin Airport
