LISTEN: Tourism minister Peter Burke on Dublin airport passenger cap

Minister Peter Burke has reassured interviewer Ciara Kelly of Newstalk that the government intends to respond by bringing forward heads of legislation this year through Minister Darragh O’Brien. The legislation aims to resolve the airport cap issue. The government commits to enactment and resolution within the year to support growth in tourism and other economic sectors.

The minister confirmed that the government will set out its actions to Airlines for America. He noted an existing injunction on the EU slots regulation has lifted the cap temporarily. This allows 12pc more flights this winter, which supports tourism policy. The government views resolution of the cap as a big priority despite the complexity of the problem.

The discussion highlighted concerns that US airlines might curtail flights to Ireland if the issue persists. The minister emphasised that simple responses do not address complex problems but affirmed that the government will deliver a resolution.

“I think there’s growing impatience there that a 2007 planning condition that is not reflective of how people get to the airport now is holding up the development of a key piece of infrastructure in our economy.”

“Minister Darragh O’Brien will be bringing forward heads of legislation this year, and hopefully we’ll have it enacted and resolved this year, in relation to the airport cap.” “There is an injunction currently whereby the cap has been lifted. That means right now for tourists come into this country, just 12pc more flights this winter, and that’s why we really want to drive our tourism policy and we need it resolved.”