Why are daa planning investment at Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s principal international transport gateway for trade, inward investment and tourism. As an island nation, our connections with the world are vital for our economic prospects.
daa has been mandated by the Government to grow Ireland’s international connectivity in line with national, regional and local policy. This requires us to improve our infrastructure to meet demand, enhance airport access and capacity while ensuring the provision of an improved level of passenger experience.
An increase in passenger capacity to 40mppa is required in order to meet forecasted demand. In line with Government policy, daa is planning a number of significant investments to facilitate the projected growth of passenger numbers through the airport from 32mppa to 40mppa. This is an opportunity for daa to ensure Dublin Airport can develop as a leading European and transatlantic hub.
What are daa investment plans?
There are a number of infrastructure investments required. The majority of development will take place on the footprint of the existing airport. Along with new airport buildings, this work also includes enhancements of some current infrastructure, enabling existing facilities to be used in a more efficient, sustainable way. These enhancements will create more space within terminals and help to maintain a safe and efficient airfield.
Does the planning process allow for public consultation and how can I contribute my opinion on your proposals?
daa has submitted a formal application for planning permission for the Infrastructure Application, which is available to view on the Fingal County Council website here. The submission period ended on January 29, 2024.
What are the timelines on delivering the Infrastructure Application?
The duration of construction is to be phased across 10 to 15 years. Every effort will be made to maximise opportunities to manage the timing of potential impacts to limit their overall effects. As further detail becomes available on how and when construction delivery will be rolled out, it will be made available to the community and wider public.
When is it anticipated construction will commence?
Planning permission is required for the proposed infrastructure upgrades at the airport, so construction cannot commence until permission is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Chapter 9 of Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) includes an assessment of aircraft noise, which predicts that overall Air Noise will generally reduce over time because of new models of aircraft being quieter than those they replace, and their rate of introduction outstripping the growth in aircraft activity.
This is also partly due to mitigation measures such as our noise insulation scheme, and the enhancement proposed for it under the North Runway Relevant Action. The Noise Zones around the airport mean that both existing and proposed/zoned properties exposed to 55 dB Lnight should be suitably noise-insulated.
Therefore, the number of people impacted by nighttime aircraft noise, including being sleep-disturbed, is predicted to decline over time from current levels.
Chapter 19 of our Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) includes assessments of the impact of the IA on various factors that could affect the health of locals, including noise and air quality.
The criteria for assessing the significance of noise and air quality impacts are based on the protection of human health, including the change in overall noise levels and the change in air pollutants. These assessments concluded the impact of the IA would broadly not be significant – a finding also reflected in the Population and Human Health chapter of the EIAR.
International aviation emissions are counted outside of Ireland’s transport emissions budget as they are considered to be outside of Ireland's direct control. We’ve included international aviation emissions in our report to illustrate the impact of the IA, but in reality they are managed at the EU/international level (through the the EUETS/CORSIA). The domestic aviation emissions, which do count towards Ireland’s transport emissions budget, are projected to be just 1% of the budget in 2031.
daa understands that a balance needs to be achieved between operating an international airport and the needs of our local communities.
In November 2023 we launched our Virtual Information Room to provide a forum for the general public to engage with information about our proposals under the Infrastructure Application. The virtual room includes background contextual information on the application, a map of the plans, information about environmental management and economic benefits, and an animation demonstrating concepts of what the projects will deliver. Information was also published on this website, including our brochure and project list.
Representatives of Dublin Airport also engaged directly with representatives of the local community, including with the St. Margaret's Community Liaison Group on 14 November 2023, and with the Dublin Airport Environmental Working Group on 6 December, to provide an overview of the Infrastructure Application and answer any questions community representatives had.
