As a small island with an export led economy, Ireland is critically dependent on the connectivity provided by its seaports and airports. That is why September’s commitment in the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity to remove the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport “as soon as possible” was so significant.
“It clearly acknowledges the impact further delay to the development of Dublin Airport would have on our competitiveness and international connectivity,” says Keenan Stack, transport and infrastructure policy executive at employers’ organisation Ibec.
“The intention to gather a stakeholder forum of key agencies by the Minister to ensure the swift progression of the Dublin Airport Authority’s planning application is a strong signal this commitment in the programme for government is being honoured. However, we would encourage an expedited process, given the length of time this matter has sat before relevant authorities.”
The complete removal of the cap could easily stretch into 2026 due to the length of the legislative process.
READ MORE
“Given the extent of forward planning needed in allocating airline slots for subsequent years and the long lead times in delivering airport infrastructure, the cap could continue to impact upon airport operations for years to come,” says Stack.
The economy is heavily reliant on the aviation sector for both passengers and freight.
“Our airport infrastructure needs to be capable of handling future demand to serve state-mandated economic, connectivity and sustainability goals without unduly restrictive passenger caps and planning conditions,” Stack explains.
By contrast, as a direct competitor, particularly in the transatlantic market, the British government is signalling strong backing for airport development: “Their renewed approach allows for faster and more sensible decision making, incorporating a strong planning exemption regime and classifying airports as strategic development. We should approach our own airport infrastructure through a similar lens.”
It’s not all about airports, however. Our seaports need support too.
“Our ports are essential in facilitating international trade and bolstering our economic competitiveness. It is vital that they are recognised as strategic national assets, whose growth should be supported”
Delivery of new port infrastructure will enable greater capacity, climate resilience and diversification of revenue streams – such as ports’ key role in the facilitation of offshore renewable energy.
“Port operations maintain a specific interconnectedness with the broader economy and facilitate enterprise further down along the supply chain,” Stack points out. “Citizens, businesses and society at large across the island will benefit from timely delivery of expanded port capacity and the bolstering of the climate resilience of these strategic assets – shielding supply chains in the process. However, due to the often seamless operation of our ports they remain a far away and invisible aspect in the lives of citizens.”
Consequently, the public may simply not be aware of the need to expand port infrastructure in the future, “especially in a context of land scarcity in urban areas and resistance to new infrastructure along coastlines on environmental grounds,” Stack cautions.
Large-scale capital projects are already either under way or planned at Dublin, Rosslare, Shannon-Foynes, Waterford and Galway, he points out. “It is under the assumption that all currently on-track expansionary projects are successfully delivered that the Ports Capacity Study claims to see Irish ports handle forecasted demand out to 2040,” says Stack, who warns that financing and planning difficulties may cause delays and associated capacity constraints.
It’s in part why the maritime sector so eagerly awaits the publication of the review of the 2013 National Ports Policy.
“Given the level of borrowing already incurred by the sector, it is unlikely that the next phase of infrastructure can be adequately self-funded under the current 2013 National Ports Policy,” says Stack.
“The regulatory landscape for port infrastructure projects has also undergone a transformation since 2013, with the introduction of the Maritime Area Planning Act, the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority and swathes of new legislation reforming the planning system more broadly.”
Boosting the resilience of our ports has come into even sharper focus following the collapse of the berth at Holyhead Port in December 2024. It was an instance in which the precarity of supply chains “was once again put on full display”.
