NEW GOVT IN PLACE FOR 5 MONTHS BUT ZERO ACTION TO SCRAP DUB AIRPORT CAP,  WHICH IS DAMAGING TRAFFIC, JOBS, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Ryanair, Ireland’s No.1 airline, today (Wed, 28 May) called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin, to pass legislation to scrap the outdated and damaging Dublin Airport traffic cap before the Dáil breaks for its Summer Recess on 17 July next.

The new Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael Coalition has now been in Govt for over 5 months, but has failed so far to deliver its Govt program commitment to scrap the Dublin Airport traffic cap. The latest SME Monitor by BPFI (article attached) shows that Ireland’s visitors numbers have slumped 30% in the first quarter of 2025. Tourism is Ireland’s largest industry and biggest employer, yet the new Govt still haven’t taken any action beyond time wasting “stakeholder” meetings.

Ryanair and other airlines successfully secured a legal injunction to lift this Dublin Airport traffic cap for Summer and Winter 2025, to allow this unlawful cap be referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This does not give long-term certainty for airlines to invest in growth at Dublin Airport. Micheál Martins Govt must now deliver its Govt program promise to scrap the unlawful Dublin Airport traffic cap before the Dáil breaks in July for summer recess.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary, said:

“Dublin is being unfairly constrained by Govt inaction. The new Govt has been in place for over 5 months, yet they still haven’t delivered the legislation to scrap the unlawful Dublin Airport traffic cap. Transport Minister O’Brien met with the Attorney General 2 months ago, but despite this, our Govt has still not delivered this promised legislation. We are now 7 weeks out from the Dáil’s summer recess so the time for “stakeholder meetings” and Govt waffle is over. Ireland demands action. Ryanair calls on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to deliver the promised legislation to scrap Dublin Airport’s traffic cap, before the Dáil breaks for its summer recess on 17 July. The Govt won a substantial majority at the election for its promise to scrap the Dublin Airport traffic cap. Over 5 months into their first term, they now need to deliver this program promise without further delay.”