President Connolly signs the Dublin Airport Act into law

The Government says that the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has been signed into law by President Catherine Connolly.

The new act will empower the Minister for Transport to make an order to address the 32 million passenger cap at Ireland’s busiest airport.

One of the main aspects of the Act is to protect the DAA’s infrastructure application, which is currently being assessed by Fingal County Council. The application seeks permission to develop capacity-enhancing projects to increase passenger capacity.

At the same time, the Aircraft Nouse Competent Authority have published its draft regulatory decision in relation to the application, currently out for public consultation.

The Government say that this will facilitate the sustainable development of the airport, ensuring compliance with EU law, while also balancing the rights of local residents.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien: “I am delighted that the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has passed into law. This Act recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway, and delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to address the passenger cap planning condition. I plan to immediately commence the relevant provisions of the Act to enable An Coimisiún Pleanála to undertake the necessary environmental assessments.”

“I am committed to ensuring the environmental assessments are completed within the strict timelines set out in the Act, so that an Order may be made to amend or revoke the passenger cap as soon as possible.”