Dublin Airport operator DAA has requested Taoiseach Micheál Martin to classify the airport as strategic infrastructure to streamline its planning applications, currently stalled by Fingal County Council.
In December, DAA applied to raise its passenger cap from 32 million to 36 million, but the council invalidated the application.
The High Court has intervened to grant a stay on a decision limiting take-off and landing slots at Dublin Airport, reflecting ongoing struggles with timely planning decisions.
A letter from DAA’s CEO, Kenny Jacobs to the Taoiseach stressed the need for clear timelines in the planning process and aims to grow passenger numbers to 40 million as part of enhancing Ireland’s connectivity and competitiveness in aviation.
“Ireland should require clear timelines for planning decisions on key national infrastructure projects to maintain its competitiveness with other countries. For example, three London airports have received planning approval for over 12 million additional capacity each within 12-14 months, while our process takes years to deliver even smaller increases. “Addressing these inefficiencies is vital for Ireland’s competitiveness.
“Timely planning decisions from Fingal County Council and An Bord Pleanála are essential to safeguard jobs and maintain Ireland’s connectivity,” Mr Jacobs said. “In this context, it would be helpful if some key projects such as Metrolink, the North Runway Relevant Action Application and the Dublin Airport Infrastructure Application were identified for prioritised decision making in the planning process. “Given Dublin Airport’s critical role in the national economy, it should be officially designated as strategic infrastructure.”
