The Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin, addressed the issue of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, stating that there is no legal mechanism outside of the planning process to lift it. She emphasized the importance of connectivity for Ireland’s tourism industry but highlighted that Shannon and Cork do not face the same constraints as Dublin. The minister suggested focusing on marketing and assisting these regional airports to attract more visitors.
Meanwhile, Kenny Jacobs, the chief executive of Dublin Airport operator daa, expressed skepticism about regional airports being able to absorb the overflow from Dublin. He highlighted the complexities of airline operations and EU regulations, calling the idea simplistic. Jacobs urged support for regional airports while addressing the challenges faced by Dublin Airport.
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) reported that tourism activity is still 6% below pre-Covid levels, with costs rising and limited business activity. The industry is seeking government support in the upcoming budget, particularly advocating for a restoration of the 9% VAT rate to boost recovery.