The Dublin Airport Authority has written to An Bord Pleanála indicating it intends to apply for a change to two planning conditions imposed by the planning board when it granted permission for a new parallel runway last year.

Following a close and detailed examination of all 31 conditions set by the Board, the DAA has concluded that Conditions 3 and 5 impose restrictions on Dublin Airport that would significantly reduce its operational capacity at peak travel periods and cause delays and inconvenience for airlines and passengers.

Condition 5 stipulates that when the new runway is brought into operation the average number of aircraft landings and take-offs at Dublin Airport, "shall not exceed 65 between the hours of 23.00-07.00."

Currently, an average of 72, landings and take-offs occur between these hours. Consequently, Condition 5 would not only restrict the new runway's capacity to support future traffic growth at the Airport, but also the Airport’s current capacity with regard to schedules.

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Condition 3 states that the new runway will not be used for take-off or landings between the hours of 23.00-07.00. The period from 06.00-07.00 in the morning is currently the busiest hour for flight departures at Dublin Airport, while the period from 23.00 until midnight is amongst the busiest for arrivals.

The number of departing aircraft during the 06.00-07.00 hour has doubled since 2003 consequently this busy hour is already over-subscribed in terms of slot allocation. Since our initial planning application in 2003 the two biggest airlines at Dublin Airport have collectively added more than 110 new routes/services including 70 new routes/services since 2006.

Not only would these planning conditions restrict flights at the airport below current levels it also has the potential consequence that existing slots could be withdrawn from many operators.

Commenting on the requirement to change Condition 3 and 5 Robert Hilliard, Director of Dublin Airport said: "The delivery of a new parallel runway is of national importance to the economy of the island of Ireland."

"While the DAA is conscious of the concerns of some of Dublin Airport's neighbouring communities, it also needs to ensure that it maintains an appropriate balance in meeting the operating requirements of our airlines and passengers."

"Once an Environmental Impact Statement has been compiled the DAA will arrange for copies to be made available to interested parties," Mr Hilliard added.

The DAA's pre-application submission will now be assessed by An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act to establish the appropriate procedural path to a planning decision.

(PR/JM)