DAA commits to no drop-off charges in ‘short, medium or long-term’ – Doherty

The announcement today by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) at an Oireachtas committee that controversial charges on ‘drop-off’ zones in Dublin Airport will not proceed is a welcome development for motorists, Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty has said.

Senator Doherty, Fine Gael’s Transport Spokesperson, said at today’s meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, she questioned DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs on the long-reported proposals to charge motorists for dropping off and collecting family members and friends at Dublin Airport.

“I have vocally opposed the notion of drop-off charges since planning permission was first applied for, back in 2021.

“To penalise motorists without providing a viable alternative transport service would be completely nonsensical, as well as unjustifiable. As I’ve said time and time again, while there are plans for eventual improvement, our bus services aren’t up to scratch and we’re still waiting for MetroLink.

“This was always seen for what it was: a money-grabbing exercise and a cop-out from dealing with the real issues around transport connectivity and dealing with congestion.

“That’s why I’m pleased to report that Mr “Jacobs confirmed to me – on the record – that despite having planning permission, the DAA has absolutely no plans to introduce drop-off charges within the duration of his term as CEO.

“Mr Jacobs has six years left in the job; that gives the authorities a significant window to plan ahead and ensure that the issues around lack of connectivity to Dublin Airport from certain regions, around transport congestion, and around frequency and reliability of services, are dealt with.

“I am glad that, finally, the DAA has given us clarity and that common sense has prevailed”, concluded Senator Doherty.