Dublin airport’s growth has been capped and panicked bosses are urging for change.
The airport, which is the largest in Ireland, currently has a 32 million passenger cap which bosses are desperate to see scrapped.
As one of the most significant airports in Europe, it is an important part of international travel. It also holds a significant role in helping with tourism across the whole of Ireland.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mary Rose Burke said: “A total of 3.46 million passengers went through Dublin Airport, making this August the busiest month in its history, but it is clear that artificial brakes have been put on the Airport’s growth”.
She added: “Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest airport by some margin and if the trends seen this August were seen everyday it would be a 40 million passenger facility. Ireland as an open island economy is extremely dependent on air connectivity to allow us to thrive in a global economy.
“To place a cap on the airport due to years old planning conditions which are now obsolete is nonsensical”.
The cap means that the airport will lose investment opportunities, bosses say. It also means trade and tourism markets will face reduced service to other key destinations.
There are concerns that the country overall will suffer damage due to its busiest airport being held back by the cap.
The future of the airport is being debated and bosses worry that any form of cap on numbers will threaten potential growth.
With winter just around the corner, talks continue based on slot reduction for the colder months.
To compete with other airports and continue to support Ireland’s interconnected global economy, experts claim the airport’s restrictions will need to be lifted.
Mary Rose Burke added: “Ireland deserves an airport that can compete with other international airports and continue to support Ireland’s interconnected global economy.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Fingal County Council for comment.
