Residents object to Dublin Airport ‘plane spotter’ plans

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

However, in a comprehensive submission against the scheme, Liam O’Gradaigh of 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 lay-by 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.

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

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