Dublin Airport’s operator has received planning consent from An Bord Pleanála for a new tunnel costing €200 million. The decision affirms Fingal County Council’s permission grant from last year. The permission was contested by Ryanair, the airport’s primary customer, as well as the SMTW Environmental DAC, a residents’ group from North Dublin.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) disagreed with five severe and needlessly complex conditions that were part of the planning permission. An Bord Pleanála has ruled in DAA’s favour for each objection. DAAreceived the news of the appeal board’s decision favourably.
According to a spokesperson, the tunnel is crucial for better access and safety on the airfield. It would facilitate the separation of aircraft and cars and allows vehicle movement to the west apron. That area has been restricted since the North Runway opened in August 2022.
As the spokesperson stressed, the underpass will help uphold safety standards at Dublin Airport and meet future operational needs. He also highlighted the importance of access to the west apron for cargo operations, transit, general aviation, stand-by parking, and contingency stands.
Under the construction, more than 160 jobs will be created. Mary MacMahon, an appeals board inspector, stated in a 131-page report that the proposed underpass is a crucial piece of standalone infrastructure.
Nevertheless, the project could face new challenges as the board’s decision can be judicially reviewed by objectors in the coming eight weeks. It is anticipated that the project will take around three years to complete. A warning from Ryanair was conveyed to Fingal County Council by Ray Ryan of BMA Planning, who indicated a potential negative impact on Irish aviation’s recovery if the underpass project proceeds due to price cap issues per passenger.