Poll reveals local backing for airport growth

A Red C poll found that 78% of residents surveyed in parts of Fingal backed further development at Dublin Airport.

Support was broadly unchanged from 77% in 2024, when the same Fingal areas were surveyed.

Opposition fell from 21% to 16%.

In the East Meath areas surveyed, 80% backed further development.

The airport released the results of the survey, which covered more than 1,000 residents across Fingal and East Meath.

East Meath communities in key flight path areas were included for the first time, so there is no 2024 figure for comparison.

The airport’s release does not give a breakdown of the number surveyed in each area or set out the exact wording of the question on further development.

In Fingal, 82% agreed the airport supports local job growth and 81% said it helps the local economy.

Around a third of Fingal respondents either worked at the airport or had a friend or family member who did. In East Meath, around one in ten reported that connection.

Trust in the airport as a neighbour rose from 51% to 63% among Fingal respondents. The proportion who felt positively about the airport rose from 43% to 55%, while the share who were neutral fell from 48% to 34%.

In Fingal, 16% said they noticed a large amount of aircraft noise, the same as in 2024.

The proportion who noticed little or no noise rose from 55% to 61%, while the share who noticed a medium amount fell from 27% to 23%.

In East Meath, 76% said they noticed little or no aircraft noise, while 19% noticed a medium amount and 5% a large amount.

Asked about the airport’s impact on their area, 38% took a positive view, 34% were neutral and 22% had no view.

Carbon emissions, air quality and noise pollution were the three environmental issues respondents in both areas identified as most significant for the airport. Respondents also said the airport could improve how it communicates with residents and responds to community concerns.

Dublin Airport managing director Gary McLean welcomed the rise in trust and said the survey also pointed to areas where the airport could improve.

“Many residents recognise the benefits Dublin Airport brings, but we understand some people experience impacts associated with living close to a major international hub airport,” he said.

McLean said residents’ experiences varied depending on where they lived and that the findings underlined the value of explaining what the airport was doing to address local concerns and invest in surrounding communities.