Oral hearing into paid drop-off zone at Dublin Airport must happen- Currie

An oral hearing into the proposed paid drop-off zone at Dublin Airport must take place to allow for full scrutiny of the project, according to Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie.

Senator Currie has supported an appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the granting of planning permission by Fingal County Council for new road infrastructure at Terminals One and Two for the new paid zone scheme.

Senator Currie, who represents Dublin West, said: “Dublin Airport Authority has said it is introducing this new system as part of its sustainability agenda to reduce car journeys and to encourage the greater use of public transport.

“However I think many people have been left scratching their heads at this given the inadequacies of our public transport system, with Dublin being one of very few capital cities in Europe with no rail link to its airport and limited direct bus links, even from areas like Dublin 15 which has no direct connection at all.

“I don’t believe having a paid drop-off system will improve congestion, as more passengers could be encouraged to take taxis and it might encourage cars to stop at the terminal because they’ve paid for it.

“This is as opposed to the current free-flow set up at Dublin Airport where people use the drop off zone appropriately and sparingly and there is no issue with congestion.

“An appeal has to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on the application by Dublin Airport Authority, with DAA reportedly planning to commence construction in the second half of 2022.

“Members of the public can also make an observation on the case to An Bord Pleanála up to April 26^th. But I must flag that unfortunately there is a €50 fee involved to do so.

“I believe that An Bord Pleanála should stage an oral hearing into the project where the DAA and Fingal County Council could outline their rationale for installing a paid tolling system in a public setting. Oral hearings are generally held for three reasons, one of which is for appeal cases where significant national, regional or local issues have arisen, and it is warranted for the Dublin Airport project.

“It is of some small comfort that DAA don’t intend to introduce the proposed system during this summer season when more passengers are starting to go abroad after the pandemic and with increased numbers making their way to and from the airport.

“I don’t believe people should face yet another charge for a quick drop off or collection at the airport for a weekend away in a move for which I don’t believe the implications have been thought through.

“I truly believe that if planning permission for tolling infrastructure does go ahead, I am seeking a condition that no charges are introduced until such a time as Dublin airport is serviced by adequate direct public transport links,” Senator Currie concluded.