Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has said the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is a “serious risk” to economic growth in Ireland.
Dublin Airport is only allowed to fly through a maximum of 32 million passengers a year based on planning conditions from 15 years ago.
Airlines have called for the cap to be lifted to meet demand, while others have questioned whether the cap should be lifted as Ireland tries to reduce its carbon emissions.
Asked about the row, Mr Chambers said that the cap was “a serious risk to economic growth”, citing analysis by the Dublin Airport Authority and others.
He added: “It shows the risk that’s in our economy of strategic infrastructure continually being delayed in our planning system.
“I fully support the lifting of the cap. I think it’s important for growth, connectivity, tourism, and so much more, and the quicker it can be progressed through the planning system the better.”
“Minister (Eamon) Ryan has said he supports the process going through the planning system as it is and our national aviation policy is clear on the importance of growth for Dublin Airport as part of wider economic development.”
Dublin Chamber chief executive Mary Rose Burke said 3.46 million passengers went through Dublin Airport in August, making it the busiest month in its history.
She added: “To place a cap on the airport due to years-old planning conditions which are now obsolete is nonsensical.”
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary warned earlier on Wednesday that there will be 250,000 fewer passengers this Christmas season compared to last year, arguing it was “inevitable that prices will be significantly higher” as a result.
He said: “Many of the people coming home for Christmas will be coming home via Belfast because the Minister for Transport won’t get off his backside and do something.”
Mr O’Leary accused Eamon Ryan of “spoofing away” and asked other senior figures of government to intervene to remove the cap.
Mr Ryan said that the responsibility does not lie with him and is a matter for the local planning authority.
