F23A/0301

The Planning Authority refused the application as premature pending the determination of the detailed road network and due to concerns over material intensification of use. However, the Inspector recommended a grant, finding that the proposal does not increase passenger or operational capacity and is explicitly supported by local and national policy objectives for US pre-clearance facility enhancement.

• The development is acceptable in principle as it aligns with Objective TP02 of the Dublin Airport LAP which explicitly supports the expansion of US pre-clearance facilities, and it does not propose an increase in the existing 32mppa passenger cap.
• The proposal represents a necessary infrastructure upgrade to resolve historical overcrowding and 'compaction' issues, serving to enhance the airport's strategic role as a secondary hub without placing additional pressure on the surrounding road network.
• The Inspector's environmental assessments (EIA and AA) concluded that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, provided that construction-phase mitigation measures and a CEMP are strictly implemented.