November 27, 2023 Back to all news

daa has launched a new virtual information room to highlight the wide range of improvements planned for Dublin Airport as part of its upcoming planning application to Fingal County Council, which will enable the airport to grow to 40 million passengers per year.

daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, will submit its new Infrastructure Application to Fingal County Council later next month.

The application will set out how daa aims to improve facilities, services, and the overall passenger experience at Dublin Airport, while growing the capacity of the airport sustainably from 32 million passengers to 40 million per year.

According to daa CEO Kenny Jacobs: “The time is right for daa to plan for the growth of Dublin Airport over the coming decade. Dublin Airport is a key driver of the national economy and is Ireland’s primary gateway to the world, welcoming the vast majority of international passengers, facilitating 30% of Ireland’s exports by value, and contributing €9.6 billion in Gross Value Added to the Irish economy.”

“In 2022, Dublin Airport saw 28.1 million passengers through its doors and this year that number is likely to come in close to 32 million in compliance with current planning permissions. Population growth alone means Dublin Airport will need to be able to grow beyond 32 million passengers – the current maximum cap placed on the number of passengers allowed to pass through the doors of the two terminals each year. The continued sustainable development of the airport to meet this growing demand will be crucial to facilitating the level of growth in tourism, trade, investment and jobs that’s recognised and required by government policy.”

Improvements planned for Dublin Airport within the new Infrastructure Application include:

  • An expansion of both the North and South Aprons.
  • Improvements to Terminal 1 security.
  • New aircraft stands on the West end of the airfield.
  • Enhanced drainage Infrastructure.

Improved airport access and parking facilities, including road network upgrades, the expansion and improvement of car parks and the relocation of some staff parking.

An upgrade of the Ground Transportation Centre to enable more frequent and quicker access for buses to Dublin city centre and around the country.

Kenny Jacobs added: “Sustainability lies at the heart of our Infrastructure Application, with €500 million of projects to ensure we stay on track to achieve our carbon reduction targets. All new buildings will meet or exceed NZEB (Nearly Zero-Emission Building) requirements and all new aircraft stands will have Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) instead of diesel run generators.”

“The launch of the virtual information room will help interested members of the public to learn more about the investments we plan to make, in advance of the submission of the planning application.”

The virtual information room can be accessed here: https://dublinairport.exhibition.app

Formal public engagement will begin in December after the planning application has been submitted.