Dáil passes bill paving way for end of Dublin Airport passenger cap

The Dáil passed legislation to remove Dublin Airport’s long-standing passenger cap while approving a controversial plan for a strategic LNG reserve. On Tuesday evening, both bills were guillotined through the Dáil, limiting debate before TDs voted ahead of the summer recess. The airport bill would allow Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to amend or revoke the 32 million annual passenger cap and bar similar caps in the future. The cap, introduced when the second terminal was planned, became a major political issue after Dublin Airport exceeded it. Supporters said the change would help Ireland meet future aviation demand, while opposition parties and environmental groups argued the bill weakens climate commitments and was rushed. The legislation passed with 118 votes for and 28 against and will go to the Seanad before final Dáil approval. TDs also approved the Strategic Gas Reserve Bill to create a state-owned emergency LNG storage facility in the Shannon Estuary, as Ireland imports about 80% of its gas via Britain. Taoiseach Micheál Martin framed it as energy security, not climate retreat.