Government to Lift Dublin Airport Passenger Cap 'As Soon as Possible' as President Connolly Signs Off on Act

The Government has said it will formally remove the current 32 million person passenger limit “as soon as possible”, following President Connolly signing legislation allowing for the move into law.

Transport Minister, Darragh O'Brien, said: “I am delighted that the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has passed into law. This Act recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway, and delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to address the passenger cap planning condition. I plan to immediately commence the relevant provisions of the Act to enable An Coimisiún Pleanála to undertake the necessary environmental assessments.

“I am committed to ensuring the environmental assessments are completed within the strict timelines set out in the Act, so that an Order may be made to amend or revoke the passenger cap as soon as possible.”