Dublin airport has said it will take two months to bring its security measures into line after two deficiencies were found during an EU audit.
The European Commission found the problems when officials conducted a recent audit of the airport's compliance with EU aviation security rules. One of the two matters has already been addressed, but the Dublin Airport Authority said today the second, outstanding one would take about two months to address due to its "technical" nature.
As a result, the commission is imposing some additional security procedures on aircraft departing from Dublin and arriving into other EU airports, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said.
“These additional procedures are not expected to have any significant impact on passengers at Dublin airport unless they are transferring through another EU airport en route to their final destination, in which case they will be required to undergo screening again,” he said.
“This does not impact on other airports in the State.”
Neither the Minister nor the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) would explain in detail the lapses identified during the European audit on security grounds.
About one in 10 passengers using Dublin airport are to be affected by new security measures.
A spokeswoman for the Dublin Airport Authority insisted that passengers initially flying out of Dublin would not be affected by the change and that it will not add to waiting times at security screening for these travellers and their luggage.
“Passengers transferring through other European airports may be required to undergo further security screening,” the DAA said.
Mr Varadkar said he has taken steps to ensure that any deficiencies are rectified swiftly, including visiting officials in the airport yesterday.
Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: “As a new Minister Leo Varadkar has promised to deliver ‘change and reform’, yet today’s embarrassing security failure means that Irish passengers will once again be treated as second-class citizens and/or potential terrorists every time they land at other EU airports.
“This is a totally unacceptable, and yet avoidable, failure.”
Aer Lingus said that while it was concerned at the "potential inconvenience" the issues may cause to its customers, its initial assessment was that such inconvenience could be minimised and it would "work closely with the relevant authorities to achieve this".
"We nonetheless encourage the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport and the Dublin Airport Authority to resolve these issues as a matter of urgency."
The airline advised customers there were no changes to check-in procedures, check-in timings, baggage allowances or any other aspects of its service for those departing Dublin Airport.
Customers would be advised of updates, if any emerge, via its website, by email, and in print and broadcast media.
Additional reporting: PA