Expanding Dublin Airport would be “crazy” given the drive to reduce carbon emissions, Ciarán Cuffe has said. 

At present, the number of passengers who can travel through Dublin Airport is capped at 32 million a year. 

Late in 2023, the airport submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council, requesting that the number be raised to 40 million. 

daa today submitted a planning application for a range of improvements at Dublin Airport which will enable us to grow to 40m passengers. Plans include: apron expansions, enhanced terminals, new aircraft stands, upgraded car parks & a revamp of our Ground Transportation Centre. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/QgwUJ22Yx4

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 15, 2023

It is a proposal that Green Party MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe said he has a number of concerns about. 

“It seems crazy in the middle of a climate emergency that we’re proposing to increase the capacity of Dublin Airport by 25%,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“But it’s not just about the climate; it’s also about ensuring the people of Dublin can get a good night’s sleep. 

“I think there’s real concerns about the noise pollution from these early morning and late night aircraft.” 

Net zero

The Government has committed Ireland to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and Dublin Airport has also agreed to become carbon neutral by that date as well. 

Aviation accounted for 2% of global carbon emissions in 2022 and Mr Cuffe said every sector “has to do its fair share”. 

“I don’t think we should let aviation off scot free,” he said.  

“Yes, of course, we’re an island nation but I think to propose significantly increasing the amount of aircraft journeys in the middle of a climate emergency simply doesn’t make sense. 

“I think we need to think long and hard about our emissions.

“Everyone should think twice about that shopping trip to New York or the stag or hen bash that we’ve been invited to in Prague.” 

Terminal 1 (T1) at Dublin Airport.

Mr Cuffe insisted there are often alternatives to aviation, pointing out that remote working means it is easier than ever before to travel and work at the same time. 

“I’m a frequent flyer and I also make a lot of my travel by sail and rail,” he said. 

“I take the boat in the morning and end up in Brussels by the evening. 

“For me, it’s an opportunity to catch up on emails and to catch up on reading. 

“I’m not saying this suits everyone but for myself as a white collar worker, it does make sense.” 

Flights at Dublin Airport. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

In a statement to Newstalk, Dublin Airport said it hoped to invest €400 million over the next four years in 20 sustainability initiatives. 

It also said expansion would be important to sustain economic growth in Ireland in the years ahead. 

“If [expansion is not approved], the international connectivity Ireland currently enjoys into and out of Dublin Airport and some of the €9.6 billion in economic activity and 116,100 jobs supported by Dublin Airport will move elsewhere,” a spokesperson said. 

“Aviation is not the enemy here, carbon is.” 

The airport has also pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 51% by 2030.

Main image: A Ryanair jet is seen at Dublin Airport. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images