Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in any discussions with stakeholders on the passenger cap at Dublin airport, the capacity at Cork airport has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that in any engagements I have with stakeholders, including airlines, and in any public statements on the matter of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, I endeavour to emphasise that while Dublin Airport may be constrained currently by a passenger cap, that there are no such capacity constraints existing at our other State Airports at Cork and Shannon.

While decisions in relation to individual routes are commercial matters for the airlines themselves, I encourage airlines to consider our other airports in the context of their route planning.

The Deputy will be aware that there has been a strong rebound in passenger traffic following the pandemic at our State Airports with further growth in passengers expected at both of our regional State Airports in Cork and Shannon over the coming years.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Increasing the capacity of Dublin Airport is in line with National Aviation Policy which recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport in meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes a specific objective of developing Dublin Airport as a hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets.

Dublin Airport is a key driver of growth in our economy and the international gateway for trade, inward investment and tourism. In addition, and as the Deputy will be aware, Census 2022 showed that Ireland's population increased by 8% between 2016 and 2022 and by 31% since 2002. While alternatives to air travel such as rail can provide essential connectivity for many of our European neighbours, we do not have similar options as an island nation and air transport will therefore remain essential for our economy and our people.

While the importance of the airport to Ireland’s island economy is recognised, it is important to Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, the needs of business and tourism interests and the legitimate rights of local residents. Development at Dublin airport is subject to assessment and mitigation in respect of the impact of associated aircraft movements on the noise environment around Dublin airport. This work is undertaken by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) in its role as the independent noise regulator.

Significant efforts are being made to decarbonise aviation. Given the transboundary nature of aviation these actions are coordinated at EU level and internationally through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

In relation to Dublin Airport specifically, daa advise that sustainability initiatives being rolled out at the Airport will accelerate climate and sustainability related ambitions. daa has also committed to working with airlines and other companies in the aviation sector to reduce the environmental impact of their operations (Scope 3 emissions). daa advise that any growth at Dublin Airport will be managed by daa in line with their carbon reduction strategies and commitments to reduce Dublin Airport’s carbon emissions by 51% by 2030, and to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.