Kildare North TD And Junior Transport Minister Says Airport Passenger Cap Threatens Economic Expansion

Friday, 6 September 2024 08:16

By Martin Osborne

Deputy Lawless will meet Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary next week.

Junior Transport Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless is due to discuss the Dublin Airport passenger cap with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary next week.

He says maintaining the 32 million euro annual passenger limit may have a negative impact on Ireland's standing in the world.

It comes as the DAA warns the airport is set to exceed the cap this year.

Minister Lawless says it restricts the country's ability to expand economically.

Ryanair is being asked to explain a steep increase in plane fares from Dublin to London - which could cost passengers up to 500 euro this Christmas.

Michael O'Leary had blamed the increased prices on Dublin Airport's passenger cap of 32 million passengers per year.

The DAA announced this week its on track to break that limit, after a record-breaking summer.

Deputy Lawless has described the businessman's actions as "huff and puff".

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