In a renewed wave of opposition to lifting the current cap of 32 million passengers per year, the majority of submissions argue against the increase. Many of these responses were triggered by DAA’s latest tranche of additional information, submitted as part of its Infrastructure Application (IA) to the council in November.
Among the most detailed objections, St. Margaret The Ward Residents Group submitted a 326-page report, including appendices, expressing strong opposition to the airport’s expansion. The group argues that the proposed increase would have significant negative effects on public health, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.
“The evidence presented underscores that such an expansion is neither justified nor consistent with planning, environmental, or legal obligations,” the group states. “The current proposals exacerbate noise pollution, contravene established mitigation objectives, and fail to align with Ireland’s climate commitments.” The group further warns that the expansion would pose a major threat to Ireland’s climate goals.
Former Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe (Green Party) has urged the council to reject the application, citing increased noise exposure for Dublin residents and a substantial rise in greenhouse gas emissions. “During a climate emergency, it is an act of folly to propose expanding airport passenger numbers by 25%,” he stated.
Cuffe also criticized DAA’s justification that air travel demand is essential for Ireland as an island nation. He argued that the authority is failing to recognize the limits that must be imposed due to the existential threat of climate change.
Louise O’Leary, speaking on behalf of the Children’s Rights Over Flights campaign, submitted a separate objection, emphasizing that children’s rights must take precedence over any plans to expand Dublin Airport amid the climate crisis.
Frank McDonald, former Environmental Editor at The Irish Times, also voiced opposition, arguing that “the untrammelled growth of Dublin Airport — or, indeed, Dublin itself — is not in the national interest” and called for the application to be refused.
The Kilcoskan National School Parents Association raised concerns about the potential impact on students and staff if the 40 million passenger cap is approved. “More flights, more noise, and more pollution over the children and staff at Kilcoskan National School would be detrimental,” the association stated. They also highlighted ongoing issues caused by the North Runway’s unapproved flight path, which has been a source of stress for the school and the local community.
Several individual submissions from North Dublin residents questioned DAA’s claim that a 25% increase in passenger numbers and aircraft movements would not have additional environmental consequences.
Dermot and Lisa Morris of Surgalstown South, Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin, argued that DAA’s offer of a €20,000 grant for homeowners to fully insulate qualifying homes is insufficient.
Meanwhile, DA Terminal 3 Ltd—a company established by Ulick and Des McEvaddy to promote a third terminal at Dublin Airport—also made a submission. Represented by CPWA Planning and Architecture, the company argued that DAA’s proposal does not account for the development of a third terminal. They contend that DAA’s plan is premature and should only proceed once the Department of Transport determines a location for the new terminal.
However, not all submissions opposed the expansion. Fingal Chamber CEO Anthony Cooney warned that maintaining the 32 million passenger cap would have severe economic consequences for Ireland. “Failing to increase capacity will negatively impact the economy, employment, and international connectivity, all of which are crucial for Ireland’s growth and competitiveness,” he stated.
Trevor Buckley, representing the Irish Aviation Research Institute, also supported raising the cap to 40 million, arguing that it would benefit the economy by fostering airline and route development, creating jobs, and boosting tourism.
Separately, in December, Fingal County Council received another application from DAA seeking to increase the passenger cap to 36 million per year, acknowledging that the larger Infrastructure Application is likely to remain under review for some time.