Airport operator DAA told Taoiseach Micheál Martin that Dublin Airport should be reclassified as strategic infrastructure when it complained to him of inefficiencies in the planning system.
Designating the airport as strategic infrastructure would allow its future planning applications to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála, rather than the local authority.
The airport has been seeking permission from Fingal County Council to raise its passenger cap from 32 million.
In a letter that was sent to Mr Martin during government formation negotiations, Dublin Airport Authority chief executive Kenny Jacobs asked the Fianna Fáil leader to consider prioritising policies which would “enhance Ireland’s connectivity, position Ireland as a leader in aviation, create jobs and support the decarbonisation and noise mitigation of aviation”.
Mr Jacobs thanked the Taoiseach for referencing a proposal to remove the airport’s passenger cap in Fianna Fáil’s election manifesto.
He added that he hoped the commitment would remain part of the Government’s plans.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – February 23rd
The Programme for Government commits to working with stakeholders to achieve this objective “as soon as possible”.
DAA lodged an application to increase its passenger cap to 36 million in December, but the council later invalidated it, saying the application did not comply with planning regulations.
The airport operator disagreed with the council’s finding and has submitted another application to have the cap raised.
Last year, the High Court granted a stay on a decision by the aviation regulator to cap the number of take-off and landing slots at the airport this summer.
Timely planning decisions from Fingal County Council and An Bord Pleanála are essential to safeguard jobs
Mr Jacobs said greater certainty is needed from the planning system. Other key projects of national importance could also be prioritised in the planning system, he added.
His letter to the Taoiseach was released under Freedom of Information laws.
The airport hopes to eventually grow passenger numbers to 40 million per year.
“Timely planning decisions from Fingal County Council and An Bord Pleanála are essential to safeguard jobs and maintain Ireland’s connectivity,” Mr Jacobs said.
“In this context, it would be helpful if some key projects such as Metrolink, the North Runway Relevant Action Application and the Dublin Airport Infrastructure Application were identified for prioritised decision making in the planning process.
“Given Dublin Airport’s critical role in the national economy, it should be officially designated as strategic infrastructure.”
Mr Jacobs told Martin that DAA hopes the new Planning and Development Bill will help speed up Ireland’s cumbersome planning system.
Drafted during the last Dáil term, it is the third largest piece of legislation in the history of the State and promises significant reforms and stricter conditions where judicial reviews are sought against a planning decision.
“Ireland should require clear timelines for planning decisions on key national infrastructure projects to maintain its competitiveness with other countries,” Mr Jacobs added.
“For example, three London airports have received planning approval for over 12 million additional capacity each within 12-14 months, while our process takes years to deliver even smaller increases.
“Addressing these inefficiencies is vital for Ireland’s competitiveness.”
