Lifting the passenger cap will allow Dublin become a true international city – Geoghegan

The Government’s decision to lift the Dublin Airport passenger cap is a vital step for Ireland’s future, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael’s Dublin spokesperson and Dublin Bay South Deputy James Geoghegan said: “The passenger cap has choked Dublin and the whole country’s progress for far too long.

“The Government’s decision today is a long-overdue and welcome step towards making Dublin a truly international city.

“The cap, first imposed in 2007, limited growth and restricted Ireland’s global connectivity.

“This artificial limit has not only constrained expansion, but also sent the wrong signal about Ireland’s ambition. The decision to lift the cap tells investors that the Government is focused on growth and determined to match our international competitors.”

Deputy Geoghegan highlighted the economic benefits of lifting the cap, saying, “forecasts suggest we should plan for 50 million passengers by 2037 and 60 million by 2045.

“Every one of these additional passengers means more tourism revenue – a €10 billion industry that supports up to 285,000 jobs. That is money being spent not just in Dublin, but in towns and villages across the country.”

He also pointed to the recent NFL game in Dublin as an example of aviation-driven economic activity:

“Over 30,000 people travelled for last weekend’s game, generating hundreds of millions in economic activity.”

Deputy Geoghegan concluded by saying, “this is not about Dublin versus the rest of Ireland. Most tourists arrive through Dublin as our capital city.

“When the College Football game was played here last year, American visitors stayed an average of five days, with most travelling beyond Dublin.”