Overview

• Cabinet gave the go-ahead to pursue a targeted law addressing the cap, with a bill to be drafted before debate in the Oireachtas.
• Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien’s memorandum was reported to criticize the DAA’s pace on the issue and to warn that a legal challenge is likely.
• DAA said it welcomed the move and will continue its separate planning application for capacity projects including new piers, aircraft stands and an Integrated Transport Centre.
• The 32 million limit was set in 2007 and was breached in 2024 when 33.3 million passengers used the airport, with further growth forecast this year.
• The cap’s application remains paused following a High Court suspension and an ECJ referral, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin voiced support for legislative action to protect connectivity and the economy.