Group objects to Dublin Airport observation point

A north county Dublin residents group has called on Fingal County Council to refuse planning permission for daa’s new plans for an observation point for plane spotters.

The operator of Dublin airport lodged plans for the aircraft observation facility at the Airport Viewing Point, Old Airport Road last month.

Daa is planning to put in place an elevated viewing platform with sheltered viewing structure, seating and tables and improved parking facilities with 22 car parking spaces.

A planning report lodged with the application states that the proposed development represents “an important investment in community facilities” at Dublin Airport and will contribute “to a safer, more comfortable and more inclusive plane-spotting experience by providing amenities for users”.

The report adds that the aircraft observation facility will formalise the position of the ‘airport viewing area’, known locally as ‘The Mound’ in its current informal location.

The facility is to offer a clear view of the south runway and well as the cross runway whilst providing facilities such as shelter, seating, parking and lighting.

The report says the aircraft observation facility will offer a number of benefits to the airport, the aviation community, and the wider public including enhancing safety; promoting education and boosting local tourism and community engagement.

However, in a comprehensive submission against the scheme, Liam O’Gradaigh of the SMTW Environmental DAC has told the council that the application should be refused on the grounds that the airport should utilise Dublin Airport zoned grounds.

In the submission, Mr O’Gradaigh states that the existing layby has no zoning designation in the Fingal Development Plan.

“It’s worth noting that the daa has an extensive landbank under utilised that is zoned Dublin Airport (DA)”, he said.

“DA zoning facilitates car parking and aviation related activities. Therefore, this application should be refused on the grounds that the airport should utilise DA zoned grounds,” he added.

The residents group of The Ward, Co Dublin is battling on a number of planning fronts with daa’s expansion plans for the airport along with noise impacts from aircraft.

The objection states that the proposed site only has 22 car parking spaces which seems very low compared to the current usage at peak times.

“If enough car parking spaces are not provided, then the site will become a traffic hazard with illegal parking,” Mr O’Gradaigh said.

“We welcome improvements to the viewing area but this planning application, as it stands, is deficient on a number of grounds.

“The application has only planned for 22 car parking spaces which will not cater for demand or fool proof the development for future years. There are no toilet facilities planned which is another serious deficiency. The current site is a traffic hazard, and the limited parking will only add to the risk,” he added.

He further contends that the daa “have an opportunity to fully enhance the experience of users at the airport and this minimal development lacks vision”.

A decision is due on the application later this month.

Reporting by Gordon Deegan