A BILL TO lift a cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport has been signed into law.

The Dublin Airport legislation gives transport minister Darragh O’Brien the power to amend or revoke the airport’s 32 million annual passenger cap, as well as prevent similar caps being imposed in future.

The passenger limit, introduced as part of planning permission for the airport’s second terminal, has become a major political issue in recent years after Dublin Airport exceeded the threshold.

Last year saw a record 36.4 million passengers pass through the airport.

Earlier this month, an overwhelming majority of TDs voted to push ahead with the plans.

The crucial vote saw the government supported by Sinn Féin, with the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit and Green all against lifting the cap.

Airlines and business groups have repeatedly warned the cap has constrained connectivity, while the government has argued it is restricting Ireland’s economic growth and tourism sector.

Over recent years, environmental concerns have been raised over the greenhouse gas emissions from increased flights, which trap heat inside the atmosphere and cause global average temperatures to rise.

Thousands of scientists around the world have repeatedly warned policymakers that without immediate and substantial action to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the world faces devastating and irreversible consequences.

When previously justifying the decision to remove the cap, O’Brien said he and the government recognise the central role it will play in “underpinning economic growth, strengthening Ireland’s international connectivity, and sustaining thousands of jobs across the country”.

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