The DAA have published plans for infrastructure to accomodate up to 40million passengers.
This is an expansion on the current cap of 32 million passengers which is currently in place.
While the planning application has not yet been submitted to Fingal County Council, the DAA have already started their public relations campaign to promote this large passenger expansion.
The proposed upgrades include:
- An expansion of both the North and South Aprons.
- Improvements to Terminal 1 security.
- New aircraft stands on the West end of the airfield.
- Enhanced drainage Infrastructure.
- Improved airport access and parking facilities, including road network upgrades, the expansion and improvement of car parks and the relocation of some staff parking.
- An upgrade of the Ground Transportation Centre to enable more frequent and quicker access for buses to Dublin city centre and around the country.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“Let me be absolutely clear about this, airport expansion is not compatible, in any way, with stopping runaway climate change.
“The proposal to expand Dublin Airport to 40 million passengers, takes no account of the climate crisis and the policy measures that will be needed to curtail emission growth in this very high emitting sector.
“The plans for Dublin Airport expansion are based on a 2018 study, by Oxford Economics, which made no mention of climate change or climate action. Since then the ICOA has agreed a net zero target for aviation by 2050, to allign with the Paris Agreement. The international airport association has similarly agreed the Toulouse Declaration aimed at net zero emissions by 2050.
“We need a new high-level strategic capacity review for Irish airports, one which incorporates the known impact of policy measures to meet net zero in aviation.
“Any attempt to continue to grow aviation, while achieving net zero, does not seem realistic. Any such plan will rely hugely on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). These new fuels cost many times that of fossil fuels and this will have a significant impact on aviation demand. We need credible forecasts that bring all of these factors together.
“It’s crucial that we don’t allow aviation a free pass when it comes to climate action.”
