Coakley O’Neill Town Planning has issued a report stating that the planning application for a passenger capacity increase at Dublin Airport requires no physical alterations, clearing the way for a increasing the cap to 36m.
With projections of 40m passengers by 2030, the proposal is intended to enhance Dublin Airport’s competitiveness among international hubs without compromising service quality.
The existing infrastructure is confirmed to support an increase to 36m passengers per year, while also allowing for potential future expansion to 55m if needed.
The uplift in capacity is designed to maximize prior investments in airport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, demonstrating alignment with environmental regulations and policies.
The daa submitted plans to Fingal County Council in December to increase Dublin Airport’s capacity to 36m passengers per annum, citing it as a necessary and modest growth for economic and national needs.
Current infrastructure is reportedly sufficient to accommodate this increase without any physical modifications, ensuring the quality of service remains intact.
The proposal aligns with predictions of passenger levels reaching 40m by 2030 and emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitiveness with other international hub airports.
Environmental assessments indicate that the planned uplift complies with current aviation policies and poses no significant negative environmental effects, while being crucial for maximizing the use of prior investments in infrastructure.
The 44 page Coakley O’Neill report states that the proposed development “will not compromise the ability of the airport to expand to 55m passengers per annum passenger throughput at some point in the future, including the provision of a third terminal, if required and supported by sectoral and planning policy then prevailing”.
“The proposed OA is in the interests of the proper planning and sustainable development to protect and enhance the airport as a national strategic infrastructure asset for the benefit of the country as a whole, and to enable it to compete with other international hub airports of scale for new routes and connections”.
“The proposed uplift in passenger numbers has been assessed against key environmental metrics, including aviation noise and traffic, to demonstrate that the proposed development is in line with applicable planning and aviation policy, and that there are no significant environmental effects,” the report states.
The proposed increase in passengers is required to maximise the use of the significant investment already made in existing airport infrastructure including the North Runway and to contribute to further growth in aviation employment and secure additional economic benefits for the country.
The closing date for submissions is February 4 with a decision due later in February.
