7. The Need for Surface Access Enhancements
Airports are recognized as transport gateways to the wider world, but their ability to serve that function effectively is heavily dependent on their ability to process passengers safely, efficiently and in a timely manner. It is also dependent on the ability of passengers to access the airport from the airports immediate environs and wider catchment area quickly and conveniently. This puts a premium on the need for good surface access – both road and public transport.
Source: National Transport Authority
Dublin Airport benefits from good strategic road access links due to its proximity to the M1, M2 and M50 motorways. Good road access is going to remain an important requirement for the airport in the future. The proposed metrolink railway service to run between Swords and Sandyford, connecting Dublin Airport and Dublin City, will also play an import future transport role at Dublin Airport. The National Planning Framework contains further objectives for ‘improving access to Dublin Airport, to include improved public transport access, connections from the road network from the west and north and in the longer term and consideration of heavy rail access to facilitate direct services from the national rail network in the context of potential future electrification..’. In this regard the LAP will be informed by way of a transport assessment of existing and future road network capacity requirements to cater for airport related growth.
It is likely, in the event of a withdrawal of the UK from the EU, Ireland’s direct linkages with other EU countries by air connections may become significantly more important. As a result, the ability of Dublin Airport to facilitate faster transit times between Ireland and the EU will need to be effectively connected into our land-based transport systems. Accommodating the service of Dublin Airport with a quality public transport service and improved public transport network at a national level will therefore be essential. In this regard, the need for protection of the M1, M50 and the Dublin Port Tunnel as the principal means of landside access for all passengers and goods is recognised.
Having regard to these transport considerations, we invite you to consider the following questions:
- How do you most frequently travel to the airport when travelling?
- What is the main reason for your choice of transport?
- What are the top priorities for improving surface access to Dublin Airport?
- How should access considerations be reflected in future planning policy in the Airport Local Area Plan?