Who really benefits from lifting the Dublin Airport passenger cap?

Figures from the tourism industry shows increasing passenger numbers are not driving GDP growth — it's the other way around

Irish tourists travelling abroad have consistently spent more money in other countries than inbound visitors have spent in Ireland. File picture: Dominic McGrath/PA

The Government announced last week it would pass legislation to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The move was described as “wildly irresponsible” by the campaign group Children’s Rights Over Flights, which is concerned at what it will mean for greenhouse gas emissions and the quality of life for future generations. 

Local residents have described the move as “an absolute disgrace” amid concerns about the noise impact of increasing flight numbers. While others have voiced concerns about the impact on traffic congestion on the M50, which Transport Infrastructure Ireland advises is at capacity.