The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2023 will empower the minister for transport to make an order to amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

In advance of making an order, the minister will engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála who will carry out any relevant assessments required under EU law. The minister will take the outcome of those assessments into account when making an order.

The government says this approach will facilitate the sustainable development of Dublin Airport by ensuring compliance with applicable EU law, while balancing the rights of local residents with the objectives of Ireland’s national aviation policy and the needs of business and tourism.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said: “This government recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway and the vital role it plays in supporting economic growth, connectivity and jobs across the State.

“Today, I received government agreement for the publication of the general scheme, which sets out the legislative approach to address the passenger cap.

“This represents the first concrete step in delivering on the commitment set out in the programme for government.

“I will now engage with the Oireachtas joint committee on transport to progress pre-legislative scrutiny and advance the formal drafting of the bill.”

In parallel with legislation being progressed by the minister, the “infrastructure application” lodged by daa is progressing through the planning system.

This application seeks permission to raise the passenger cap and to develop several capacity-enhancing projects, including new piers and aircraft stands, along with a new integrated transport centre.