Dublin Airport must be clear with the public about plans for the introduction of pick-up and drop-off charges, a Fine Gael senator has warned.

Airport operator DAA was yesterday granted planning permission to install a new tolling system for passengers – with specific tolled zones for drop-off and pick-up.

An Bord Pleanála upheld Fingal County Council’s decision to grant permission following an appeal from a local councillor.

Despite the permission, DAA yesterday said it had “no current plans to introduce drop-off or pick-up charges”.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie said the operator needs to be clear about its longer-term plans.

“I’m obviously disappointed that An Bord Pleanála has given the green light,” she said.

“I have to say I am a little bit confused about the messaging from DAA yesterday – a tweet that just says they have no current plans to introduce it.

“I think they need to be clear with us about what they’re planning.”

Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport

Senator Currie said the DAA statement could mean almost anything.

“It could mean that they are holding it in their back pocket until a later stage or it could mean they’re going ahead introducing tolling infrastructure but not actually charging people.

“So it isn’t clear and I think people have been very clear about the fact they don’t want it and they want the DAA to scrap it.”

"A bit sneaky"

She said the charge “seems a bit sneaky”.

“They’re trying to say that it’s for sustainability but you know and I know that if you’re going to get out of your car, you need to get into something else,” she said.

“I think people’s reaction to that was understandable.”

DAA

The DAA plans will see changes to the road network at the airport as well as the new tolled zones.

It also involves changes to the layout of the Express Red Long-Term Car Park which will also be used for pick-up and drop-off.

Senator Currie said the plans also include tolling infrastructure in the Express Red zone.

“No matter where you seem to go, they want to be able to have the option to charge you for dropping people off at the airport when there is no other option at the moment,” she said.

“I think people have rightfully said, no DAA, that is not the right thing to do right now.”

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