Passenger cap lift can’t be at Swords’ expense, says Graves

Sinn Féin TD Ann Graves has said that the government’s proposal to lift the passenger cap for Dublin Airport cannot “come at the cost of the local community.”

Last week, the government announced it was pushing forward with legislation to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

The passenger cap has been a point of contention in Irish politics in recent years; efforts to lift the cap in 2023 and 2024 were stymied by the influence of the Green Party in government, government party sources stated.

With the Green influence removed, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has vowed to bring the legislation forward, but Graves had concerns about the impact on the Swords area.

The Dublin Fingal East TD said that lifting the cap was necessary, but the quality of life for Swords residents should also be taken into account.

Graves said that Sinn Féin would be adding a number of amendments to the government’s bill, notably the “balanced regional development” of Dublin Airport.

During the initial row about lifting the passenger cap in 2023 and 2024, a school of thought emerged that Ireland’s other airports, such as Shannon and Cork, should be used to take the pressure off Dublin Airport

“The lifting of the cap will also require that there is adequate and well-resourced infrastructure put in place to meet the extra demands from increased passenger numbers, this was one of the reasons for the cap in the first place,” Graves noted.

“The lifting of the cap cannot be allowed to contribute to further traffic chaos that already exists in Fingal East,” she said.

Graves said that if the passenger cap is lifted, it should be concurrent with an improved public transport system (which includes the long-delayed Metrolink).

“We will also be seeking wider insulation, better buy-out proposals and overall better protection for residents,” Graves said.

The Sinn Féin TD said, “I fully understand why local residents are frustrated and angry. The Dublin Airport Authority’s engagement with residents has been consistently poor.  They are not good neighbours.”

Graves said that residents have been forced to take court action to “ensure their voices are heard.”

While the outcome of those court actions is yet to be determined, Graves said “local residents must be heard and included in a meaningful way by both the DAA and Fingal County Council.”

The Northside TD noted that lifting the passenger cap would result in more night flights; it is estimated there are 65 flights arriving at Dublin Airport between 11pm and 7am, and that could increase to 95 if the cap is lifted.

“The current legislation does not effectively deal with residents’ concerns, including health and well-being, noise, night flights and infrastructure,” she said.

“I can assure residents in Fingal East, I have heard their concerns, and we will work tirelessly to ensure their concerns are addressed.

“Our priorities will be to mandate the Dublin Airport Authority to engage meaningfully with residents, enhance community compensation and noise mitigation measures,” Graves stated.