The DAA, which operates Dublin Airport, had initiated a so-called relevant action to alter key planning conditions attached to the construction of its new runway, which opened in 2022.
The DAA sought to remove a numerical cap on the average number of flights permitted between 11pm and 7am. It wanted the cap replaced with an annual night-time quota, effective between 11.30pm and 6am. Airlines including Ryanair had also backed the move.
“Having reviewed the draft decision and reports, there appear to be some significant contradictions and DAA considers this draft decision does not reflect what was intended from this process,” said the airport operator in a statement on Wednesday.
“As it stands, this decision would be a backward step that will significantly impact aviation and passenger numbers at Dublin Airport,” it added.
The DAA, headed by chief executive Kenny Jacobs, had been hoping to submit a planning application in November seeking a temporary increase in its annual passenger cap to between 35 million and 37 million, if the An Bord Pleanála had gone its way.
A move to a night-time quota had been recommended by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) that operates under Fingal County Council.
Last year, the council issued an enforcement notice against the DAA for breaching its night-time flight quota. That action was stayed pending the outcome of the relevant action.
In addition to the proposed noise quota, the DAA had also proposed a number of noise mitigation measures, including an additional insulation grant scheme for eligible dwellings.
While An Bord Pleanála has proposed a noise quota for the runway at nighttime, it has also said it intends to cap the number of flights that would be permitted to use the airport during that period, at 13,000.
“The airport shall be subject to an annual aircraft movement limit of 13,000 between the nighttime hours of 23.00 and 06.59,” it notes in its draft decision.
It proposes that 3,900 of those flights would be permitted in the winter and 9,100 in the busy summer period.
An Bord Pleanála has invited submissions on its proposals, with a closing date of December 23.
“The noise quota was proposed to replace the previous blunt movement cap imposed by the 2007 planning condition,” said the DAA in relation to planning conditions attached in 2007 to the construction of the new runway.
“However, it appears from the draft decision that An Bord Pleanála has proposed a new noise quota but also imposed an overall restriction on the number of night flights that would be permitted which would be significantly lower than the 2007 planning condition,” the DAA pointed out.
“This would reduce the nighttime flights by over 60pc and have significant implications for passengers and airlines, as well as freight operations,” according to the semi-State company.
The DAA conceded earlier this month that it will breach its 32 million passenger cap this year.
