A campaign group has called on the Government to pause legislation aimed at changing the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, warning it could have significant climate, environmental and social impacts.
Children’s Rights Over Flights (CROF) issued the appeal ahead of a Dáil vote today on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill, which would change how passenger limits at the airport are managed.
The group criticised the Government’s decision to fast-track the Bill, arguing that it should undergo further scrutiny before progressing through the Oireachtas.
CROF spokesperson Celestine O’Reilly said the organisation is concerned the legislation would increase aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions and argued it gives greater powers to the Minister for Transport while reducing the role of existing climate legislation.
“The Government wants to just ram it through, avoiding proper vetting that would no doubt result in significant, badly-needed amendments,” she said.
According to the campaign group, aviation emissions in Ireland have increased significantly since 1990.
Citing figures from environmental organisation Opportunity Green, CROF said aviation now accounts for around 10% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The group also pointed to Dublin Airport planning documents, which it said estimate that increasing the airport’s passenger capacity from 32 million to 40 million annually would increase emissions by 22% by 2031.
Campaigners argue that if passenger numbers were eventually to reach 60 million annually, emissions would rise further.
The legislation has also drawn criticism from residents living near Dublin Airport.
Liam O’Gradaigh, spokesperson for the St Margarets the Ward FORUM community group, said residents remain concerned about aircraft noise and accused the Government of failing to engage with local communities.
“We’re disappointed that the Minister is pushing ahead with the passenger cap legislation and has refused to meet with us,” he said.
He added that more people could be exposed to higher levels of nighttime aircraft noise if airport operations expand.
CROF also argued that the Bill could have wider economic implications.
The group cited research by Transport & Environment which it said suggests projected aviation growth could have adverse effects on Ireland’s rental market.
It also pointed to figures showing Ireland recorded a €5.1 billion travel deficit in 2023, reflecting the difference between spending by Irish residents travelling abroad and spending by overseas visitors in Ireland.
Legal and environmental organisations have also expressed concerns.
Sorcha Tunney of Opportunity Green said the legislation would remove an existing safeguard without introducing additional protections for communities affected by aircraft noise and air pollution.
She also referred to a recent court ruling in the Netherlands concerning aircraft noise around Schiphol Airport, saying it demonstrated the need for governments to adequately protect nearby residents.
Campaigners are calling on the Government to pause the Bill and carry out what they describe as a comprehensive independent assessment of its potential social, health, economic, climate and environmental impacts before any further legislative action is taken.
The Government has argued that changes to the passenger cap are needed to address operational constraints at Dublin Airport and support national connectivity and economic growth.
The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill is due to be debated in the Dáil today.