Conor Trindle
05 Apr 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland: Lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport has become a top priority for the government, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin signalling a possible legislative route to address what he calls a major national economic issue.

Currently capped at 32 million passengers annually—a restriction introduced in 2007 to ease traffic congestion—the airport is nearing its limit, with any changes currently requiring approval through a planning application to Fingal County Council.

Speaking to Newstalk this week, Martin said the original reasons for the cap no longer apply and emphasised the need for a swift resolution.

"We are looking at every option to get this sorted, because I think it is a significant economic issue for the country, not just for Dublin. I think the cap was put in for a different reason, which is now expired in terms of the reasoning," he said.

"Whatever we do has to be within the proper legal framework, and we're conscious that anything we may do could be subject to challenge, but that said, there is an imperative to get it lifted, in my view."

The remarks come amid reports that the government may consider bypassing the traditional planning process altogether. According to The Irish Times, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has received legal advice from the Attorney General that suggests it may be legally possible to introduce legislation lifting the cap, potentially drawing on a 2022 precedent related to emergency energy generation projects.

Such a move would represent a significant shift in how infrastructure decisions are handled and would not be without legal risk. Sources indicate that legal drafts outlining potential legislative options are expected to be presented to the minister in the coming weeks.

While no final decision has been made, the Taoiseach's comments reflect growing urgency within government circles to ensure Dublin Airport can accommodate rising passenger numbers and avoid economic bottlenecks.