Minister for Transport secures Cabinet approval to address the Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 10 February 2026
- Last updated on: 10 February 2026
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has today secured agreement from Cabinet for priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026. This will provide him with the power to address the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
“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.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien
The General Scheme empowers 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. 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.
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. Together, these measures provide the infrastructure required to facilitate the increase in passengers.
Minister O’Brien is committed to the priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill and intends to introduce it for passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.