384. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the monetary value his Department attributes to the connectivity provided by hub and transfer traffic at Dublin Airport; the analysis or methodology underpinning that valuation; whether a cost-benefit analysis of such traffic has been carried out by or for his Department accounts for the noise and emissions costs borne by residents under the flight paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55430/26]

The Programme for Government recognises that as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, strong connectivity with the rest of the world is essential to foster continued economic growth, for our communities, and for our tourism industry.

Dublin Airport is a critical piece of national infrastructure, which has an economic impact felt throughout the country. An InterVISTAS study carried out for daa in 2023 measured the overall impact of Dublin Airport and estimated the airport contributes a total of €9.6 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Irish economy and supports or facilitates 116,100 jobs in Ireland. 29% of total GVA is located in Fingal, with 24% of GVA located in the rest of Dublin 22% in the rest of Leinster and 31% across the rest of the country.

Available international evidence suggests that transfer traffic can make a significant contribution to the viability of airports by supporting route networks that would not be sustained by origin-and-destination demand alone. By combining passengers from multiple markets, transfer traffic allows airlines to operate a broader range of services and higher frequencies, thereby strengthening an airport's overall connectivity and network resilience. This was recognised in the National Aviation Policy published in 2015 which included the specific objective of developing Dublin airport as a secondary hub airport.

For Ireland, this is particularly relevant given the importance of international air connectivity to trade, tourism, inward investment and broader economic competitiveness. Research undertaken for Airports Council International (ACI) Europe by the SEO Amsterdam Economics institute in 2024 found a strong relationship between air connectivity and economic performance, with ACI Europe reporting that a 10% increase in air connectivity is associated with an approximately 0.5% increase in GDP per capita.

While transfer passengers may generate less direct economic activity than passengers whose journeys begin or end in Ireland, studies have concluded that their principal value lies in the additional routes, destinations and frequencies they help sustain. These network benefits enhance access to international markets and create wider economic and societal benefits that extend beyond the airport itself.

More broadly in relation to the issue of aircraft noise and flight paths raised by the Deputy, I have consistently emphasised the importance of daa acting as a good neighbour to those impacted by airport operations and the need for meaningful engagement with local communities on these issues.

In this regard, I wrote to daa in October last year and again in March 2026, reiterating the importance of sustained engagement with local communities most directly impacted by aircraft noise. In those letters, I also requested updates on what measures daa are considering in relation to strengthening its noise mitigation programme.

daa has subsequently advised that under the relevant planning conditions, eligibility for all three noise mitigation schemes, including the Voluntary Dwelling Purchase Scheme, are subject to review every two years, with the next review due to commence in the coming months. This review will be based on 2025 operational and noise data, ensuring that the assessment accurately reflects the actual noise environment experienced by local communities. This is an important mechanism to ensure that supports remain aligned with real world impacts.

It is also worth noting that Dublin Airport is required to monitor aircraft noise around the airport and in communities in line with its responsibilities under the Dublin Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 and as required by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA). Reports are prepared by the airport authority and ANCA on a quarterly and annual basis respectively relating to noise management and compliance with noise mitigation measures.

Further, I would highlight that ANCA published its draft regulatory decision on daa’s Infrastructure Application on 28 May 2026. ANCA is currently undertaking a 14-week public consultation process in relation to that draft decision and on the measures proposed to address any noise impacts arising on foot of granting permission for that planning application. I encourage all those with an interest in the outcome of this assessment to participate fully in the process.

Finally, at the recent second stage debate on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 in Dáil Éireann on the 23rd of June, and at subsequent debates on the Bill, I have gone on record as committing to ensuring that an independent assessment of flightpaths at Dublin Airport will be undertaken at the appropriate time.

The most suitable point for this work will most likely be when a final decision is made regarding the North Runway Relevant Action. This timing will ensure that the assessment is based on the most accurate and current operational data, incorporating the latest noise modelling methodologies, and can support the identification of appropriate solutions.