New research from Opportunity Green Ireland and Transport and Environment ranks Dublin Airport as the third worst in Europe for aviation emissions. The study, based on a 1.7 degree Celsius carbon budget, finds Dublin will blow its entire carbon budget by 2035 even with technological improvements like more efficient aircraft. This comes as Ireland removes the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, with plans to grow passenger numbers to 60 million, which could push aviation emissions to 14 million tonnes of CO2, nearly half of Ireland's total annual budget in 2024. The report highlights a policy contradiction: while the UK and France are legislating carbon caps for airports, Ireland has removed its cap. Proponents of growth point to tourism revenue and the island's lack of rail connectivity to mainland Europe, as well as insufficient port capacity for ferries. Sustainable aviation fuel is seen as a future solution but is not yet scaled. The researchers are not calling for an end to flying but urge a demand management system and a full economic evaluation of Dublin Airport's expansion plans.
