Transforming Dublin Airport

DAA Seeks Change in Runway Planning Conditions

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has told An Bord Pleanála that it intends to apply for a change to two planning conditions imposed by the planning appeals board last year when it granted permission for a new parallel runway at Dublin Airport.

Following a detailed examination of all 31 conditions set by the Board, the DAA has concluded that Conditions Three and Five, both of which relate to flights between 11pm and 7am, impose restrictions that would significantly reduce Dublin Airport's capacity at peak travel periods and cause delays and inconvenience for airlines and passengers.

“The delivery of a new parallel runway is of national importance to the economy of the island of Ireland,” said Dublin Airport Director Robert Hilliard.

 “While the DAA is conscious of the concerns of some of Dublin Airport’s neighbouring communities, it also needs to ensure that it maintains an appropriate balance in meeting the operating requirements of our airlines and passengers,” he added.

Condition Five states that when the new parallel runway is brought into operation, the average number of aircraft landings and take-offs at Dublin Airport, will not exceed 65 between 11pm and 7am. At present, an average of 72 landings and take-offs occur during this 11pm-7am period.

Condition Three states that the new runway will not be used for take-offs or landings between 11pm and 7am. However 6am-7am is currently the busiest hour for flight departures at Dublin Airport.

The number of planes departing Dublin Airport between 6am and 7am has doubled since 2003 and the airlines' demand for slots already exceeds supply during this part of the day.  The hour from 11pm until midnight is one of the busiest periods for arrivals at Dublin Airport.

The DAA’s pre-application submission on changing the two conditions will now be assessed by An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act to establish whether the application falls under the Board's remit or should be considerd by Fingal County Council.

July 4, 2008