Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the renaming of Dublin Airport as Seán Lemass Dublin International Airport and to provide for related matters.

I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me the time to move this Bill. It provides for the formal renaming of Dublin Airport as the Seán Lemass Dublin international airport. This is not simply a question of changing a sign; it is about recognising a leader whose vision transformed Ireland and whose policies opened the gateway through which millions now pass. Seán Lemass was the architect of modern Ireland. Having fought in the Easter Rising and helped in the building of our fledgling State, when Taoiseach he charted a new course, one of openness, ambition and progress, and he understood that isolation was not an option for a small nation. Under his leadership, Ireland embraced free trade, a concept that is under much attack globally now. He encouraged foreign investment and he began the journey towards our successful membership of what was then the European Economic Community. Crucially, he also saw the need for partnership among different traditions on this island and was not afraid to reach out the hand of friendship. These decisions laid the foundations for the Ireland we know today: outward looking, dynamic and globally connected. Lemass saw aviation as a lifeline for Ireland, a bridge to a wider world. As Minister for Industry and Commerce and later as Taoiseach, he championed the development of Aer Lingus, the expansion of air services and the construction of international airports. He understood that connectivity was key, not just for tourism but also for trade, diplomacy and Ireland's place in global affairs.

Dublin Airport, which opened in 1940, when Lemass was Minister for Industry and Commerce, owes much to his policies and foresight. He was instrumental in ensuring that Ireland had the infrastructure to move from the periphery of Europe to its heart. Indeed, it was in 1963, as Taoiseach, that Lemass welcomed President John F. Kennedy to Dublin Airport, a moment that symbolised Ireland's new confidence on the global stage. I am very much conscious that there are bigger issues that need to be addressed by Dublin Airport Authority internally as well as externally. These will include the lifting of the cap at the airport, expansion in the number of flights and working toward making the airport more environmentally sustainable. However, this, I believe, is a small and positive step.

When I raised this issue previously in the Seanad, I was told by DAA that the naming was an issue for the Minister for Transport. When I asked a parliamentary question about this recently, the Department of Transport informed me that this was a matter for DAA. This confusion would not have happened in Seán Lemass's time. On matters concerning national infrastructure, he simply ensured that decisions were made and action was taken. In any event, I hope this legislation will address the matter.

Dublin Airport social media accounts recently mooted the idea of renaming the airport after Troy Parrott, an interesting proposition. I suggest, however, given his inspirational performance, that we might consider naming the metro line out to the airport after him, given that they both have been involved in long campaigns and, just as hope was fading, we had delivery right at the end - or so we hope.

It is quite common for major airports across the world to bear the names of leaders who shaped their nations: Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Adolfo Suárez in Madrid, John F. Kennedy in New York, Ronald Reagan in Washington, DC, Pierre Trudeau in Montreal, Lester B. Pearson in Toronto, Indira Gandhi in New Delhi, Mustafa Atatürk in Istanbul. Ireland should be no different. Renaming Dublin Airport after Seán Lemass would be a fitting tribute to a man who stood for progress, ambition and opportunity. It would reflect our pride across these Houses in his legacy and our confidence in Ireland's future. This is not just about honouring history; it is about inspiring the next generation. Every time a traveller lands at Seán Lemass Dublin international airport, they will be reminded of a leader who believed that Ireland could take our place among the nations of the world and, more importantly, he made it happen.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the Bill opposed?

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No, and well done to the Deputy.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."