Dublin Airport opened in January 1940 when an Aer Lingus Lockheed 14 departed for Liverpool. Over 80 years on, our mission is to continue the legacy of anticipating the future and create the vision for how Dublin Airport will serve Ireland over the coming decade. Dublin Airport’s national strategic role is to deliver high quality international connectivity for Ireland and become a leading European secondary hub.
The Irish Government’s National Development Plan and National Planning Framework
The Irish Government’s National Development Plan and National Planning Framework clearly outlines the strategic role of Dublin Airport – to deliver high quality international connectivity. This is crucial for overall international competitiveness and addressing opportunities and challenges from Brexit and will significantly increase the importance of Ireland’s direct linkages with other EU countries by both air and sea. Through focused and efficient investment, as defined through the National Aviation Policy, the goal is that Dublin Airport develops into a leading secondary European hub and signature projects, such as the second runway, enable this. Another key goal of the National Development Plan is improving access to Dublin Airport, to include improved public transport access, connections from the road network from the west and north and in the longer term, consideration of rail access to facilitate direct services from the national rail network, especially in the context of potential future electrification.
The National Aviation Policy
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The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) published the National Aviation Policy (NAP) for Ireland in August 2015 following an extensive consultation process which began in December 2012. The consultation process involved participants within the aviation industry and across various associated sectors.
The National Aviation Policy is as follows:
- To enhance Ireland’s connectivity by ensuring safe, secure and competitive access responsive to needs of business, tourism and consumers.
- To foster the growth of aviation enterprise in Ireland to support job creation and position Ireland as a recognised global leader in aviation.
- To maximise the contribution of the aviation sector to Ireland’s economic growth and development.
This requires the on-going and efficient investment and development of Dublin Airport to meet future travel demand. The construction of the second runway at Dublin Airport is underway and a key factor to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary European hub.
Regional Airport Development
The National Aviation Plan outlines a balanced approach to regional airport development:
- The three State airports of Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport will continue to provide essential strategic infrastructure and services that support the economic and social objectives of the State
- The role of Cork Airport and Shannon Airport is that of key gateways for tourism and business for their regions
- Existing capacity at State airports should be optimised in conjunction with timely planning to enable expansion of air service connections in all relevant markets delivering wider economic benefits for Ireland.
- Actions underway such as the establishment of the Tourism Leadership Group will feed into the marketing and development of all State airports in establishing niche markets and the promotion of Dublin Airport as a leading secondary European hub.
