daa to lodge infrastructure planning application

The operator of Dublin Airport, daa, is aiming to lodge its much anticipated Infrastructure Application for a wide range of improvements at Dublin Airport to enable the airport to grow to 40m passengers per annum this Friday.

This follows daa taking the first step in the planning application process by having a statutory planning notice published outlining in detail the various elements of the project for the first time.

The planning notice states that daa is seeking a 15 year planning permission from Fingal Co Council for the Infrastructure Application that covers the entirety of the airport land bank along with greenfield sites on the periphery of the airport.

The notice lists 11 separate Project Elements and they include an expansion of both the North and South Aprons; improvements to the Central Security Search Area in Terminal 1; new aircraft stands on the western side of the airfield; enhanced airfield drainage; improved airport access and parking facilities, the expansion and improvement of car parks and the relocation of some staff parking.

The Infrastructure Application also includes the upgrade of the Ground Transportation Centre to enable more frequent and quicker access for buses to Dublin city centre and around the country.

The application, if granted, will result in a net increase of 33 narrow bodied aircraft stands to bring it to a total of 167.

The airport is currently operating under a 32m per year passenger cap.

“The application will set out how daa aims to improve airport facilities, services, and the overall passenger experience at Dublin Airport, while growing the capacity of the airport sustainably from 32 million passengers to 40 million per year,” said daa Group Head of Communications, Kevin Cullinane.

“Dublin Airport is a key economic driver of the national economy as Ireland’s national airport and the primary gateway to the world, welcoming the vast majority of international passengers, facilitating 30% of Ireland’s exports by value, and contributing €9.6 billion in Gross Value Added to the Irish economy,” said CEO of daa, Kenny Jacobs.

“Population growth alone means Dublin Airport will need to be able to grow beyond 32 million passengers over the next 15 years – the current maximum cap placed on the number of passengers allowed to pass through the doors of the two terminals each year.”

Mr Jacobs pointed out that the continued sustainable development of the airport to meet this growing demand will be crucial to facilitating the level of growth in tourism, trade, investment and jobs that’s recognised and required by Government policy.

“That’s why we will be applying to Fingal County Council to increase the capacity of Dublin Airport to 40 million passengers per annum,” he said.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of Dublin Airport’s future expansion, with €500 million of projects in our capital investment programme to ensure we stay on track to achieve our carbon reduction targets. The Infrastructure Application is a key part of this programme, and all new buildings are designed with sustainability in mind.”

Third parties will be able to lodge submissions with Fingal Co Council on the daa application over a five week period.

– reporting Gordon Deegan