Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister to update us, please, on discussions in respect of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. We are an island nation with an ever-growing population, expanding at a rate of 100,000 people per year. Our capital city's airport is a vital component for our national competitiveness and continued success. Dealing with the cap and putting in place a long-term plan for the airport is an opportunity for Ireland not just to attract more tourists but to increase our connectivity and attract more industry to our very well-situated island, which is a gateway for Europe and has pre-clearance for the USA.

The DAA needs to play its part. It needs to be a better neighbour to the communities around the airport, address the issues of traffic management, noise insulation and adherence to flight paths. However, we need to swiftly address this issue and put the negative narrative to bed once and for all so that Ireland can maximise its potential.

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