Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) gets the green light for tolled drop-off and pick-up zones at Dublin Airport.
Planning consultants for DAA stated that the new scheme will result in more efficient egress and access arrangements at Terminals T1 and T2 of Dublin Airport. The operation of the paid drop-off and pick-up zone will be based on automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras with plates read at entry and exit and the charge dictated by the amount of time spent by the driver in the drop-off zone.
Coakley O’Neill Town Planning said the proposals will result in a more coordinated, controlled, and efficient management of passenger drop-off and pick-up.
The report by the consultants said the proposed development will not have an adverse on existing systems such as parking, bus operations, pedestrians, or cyclists and will also contribute especially towards improved efficient traffic management.
An airport spokesman said that the decision to charge motorists to drop-off and collect family members and friends is part of its sustainability drive. “As part of our ‘sustainability’ agenda, the new system aims to reduce car journeys to and from the airport and to encourage passengers to make greater use of public transport.
“Commercial funds raised by the new system will be ringfenced for sustainability initiatives at the airport, including a proposed solar farm, the conversion of our car park and staff shuttle bus fleet from diesel to low emission vehicles, and the installation of more electric vehicle charging points.
“A free drop-off and pick-up option will continue to be available after the new zones have been introduced at a new dedicated area in the Express Red long-term car park.
“There will be special provisions for people with reduced mobility.”
The spokesman said that the new system will not be in place for the upcoming summer season and construction will take place in the second half of 2022.
The grant of permission comes 13 months after Fingal County Council initially refused planning permission to a previous drop-off proposal. In the revised scheme, the airport operator addressed the reasons for the first refusal, which included the loss of long-term car parking.
The grant of permission for major components of the scheme is for five years as the subject development site is required for the construction of Metrolink.