The Department of Transport has outlined its commitment to supporting the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in its efforts to increase passenger capacity and invest in infrastructure upgrades. The department also emphasizes the importance of sustainable mobility and has endorsed a new action plan to promote eco-friendly transportation options.
The Department of Transport has publicly affirmed its continued support for the Dublin Airport Authority ( DAA ), aiming to facilitate the progression of various applications pertinent to planning matters. This support extends to amending existing conditions to potentially increase the current 32-million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The department also indicated its backing for DAA 's capital investment programme and the North Runway Relevant Action planning application.
These recommendations, detailed in briefing papers circulated to stakeholders involved in recent government formation talks, underscore the importance of optimizing the capacity of Ireland's state airports. The department emphasizes the need for timely planning applications from state airport bodies, enabling them to invest in infrastructure enhancements that cater to the growing demands of passengers, cargo, and the aviation industry. Such investments, according to the department, will ultimately lead to the expansion of air service connections, thereby unlocking wider economic benefits for Ireland.However, the briefing papers also revealed a lack of dedicated funding for key road projects previously announced by the previous government. These projects include the crucial upgrade of the A5 road link connecting to the northwest. While the incoming government unveiled plans to allocate €600 million to the A5 northwest transport corridor, the Department of Transport expressed uncertainty regarding the specific funding source to match this commitment. The department noted that a review of the national development plan, scheduled for later this year, could potentially lead to the allocation of additional funding. Furthermore, the briefing papers highlighted the lack of funding for substantial delivery of two major projects: the Northern Distributor Road, estimated to cost over €200 million, and the Great Island Connectivity Scheme. The department emphasized that while the 2021 National Development Plan anticipates a gradual increase in funding towards the protection and renewal of road networks, both national and regional/local roads could benefit from a larger allocation of funds in the 2026-2030 period. This could potentially involve an additional €300 million to €500 million.The Department of Transport also expressed its support for developing a new sustainable mobility action plan, previously endorsed by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. This plan aims to promote sustainable modes of transport and transport-oriented development to effectively address congestion issues, improve air quality and noise reduction, and enhance the attractiveness and accessibility of cities, neighborhoods, and town centers.It emphasizes measures related to active travel, including cycling and walking. Ryan had previously criticized his coalition partners, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, for delaying progress on scaling up sustainable mobility, citing the exclusion of a memo from a special taskforce on the draft plan from a cabinet meeting preceding the November election. The department further endorsed the development of a network of mobility hubs, starting in cities and major towns, to realize the potential of shared mobility services. This initiative, estimated to cost €40 million last year, involves establishing 200 mobility hubs across the country to encourage the sharing of access to e-bikes and other shared transportation options
Transportation TRANSPORTATION AIRPORTS DAA SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING GOVERNMENT FUNDING
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