Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026: Committee and Remaining Stages
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-08
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Darragh O'Brien (FF), Dublin Fingal East

I thank Senator Clifford-Lee. What I was mentioning to Senator Alice-Mary Higgins was the fact that we are not talking about the piece of infrastructure but effectively the decision with regard to the passenger cap, which relates to Dublin Airport. Therefore, it will tie up Dublin Airport in a constant loop of environmental impact assessments if her amendment were to pass.
In relation to the independent assessment, I am committing to an independent assessment of the flight paths at Dublin Airport. I will undertake that at the appropriate time. The most suitable point for this work will most likely be when the final decision is made regarding the north runway relevant action. We will get this legislation through and then the final decision will be made. We could not have an outstanding application there that is pending a decision. It would have to be done cleanly. We will do that. The timing will ensure the assessment is based on the most accurate and current operational data, and I have said that in the Dáil. I am happy to say it again in the Seanad.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-08/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:10+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-08