Seanad Debates Dublin Airport Bill to Remove 32-Million Passenger Cap

The 27th Seanad has held its second-stage debate on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, a legislative intervention designed to address and remove the statutory passenger cap at Ireland's main airport.

Introducing the legislation on behalf of Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer confirmed the bill's primary objective is to lift the 32-million-passenger planning condition. This restriction was originally imposed by the planning authority in 2007 during the approval of Terminal 2 and extension works at Terminal 1 to manage surface access constraints.

Legislative Powers and Planning Context

The proposed legislation will grant the Minister for Transport explicit powers to amend or revoke the passenger capacity condition via a ministerial order. Under the terms of the bill, such an order would follow an expedited environmental assessment carried out by An Coimisiún Pleanála. Furthermore, the bill contains provisions to prevent future planning authorities from re-imposing numeric passenger limits on Dublin Airport.

Minister of State Buttimer noted that over 36 million passengers used Dublin Airport in 2025. He argued that maintaining the 32-million limit would force an immediate reduction of over 4 million passengers annually, impacting national connectivity, employment, and the wider economy.

Parallel Planning Processes

While the Government pursues this legislative remedy, a separate planning application remains active. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) submitted an infrastructure application to Fingal County Council in December 2023, seeking to officially increase the airport's passenger limit to 40 million per annum alongside associated infrastructure projects.

This local planning process is running alongside a noise assessment by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA), which published a draft regulatory decision in May. A final noise-related decision is expected later this year, which Fingal County Council must incorporate into its subsequent planning decision.

Acknowledging that any decision by the local authority is likely to be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála or face judicial review, the Government is progressing the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 to provide a distinct legislative route to resolve the capacity restriction.