It is fascinating to observe that Dómhnal Slattery and Louise O’Leary’s arguments regarding the discussion: “Should the Dublin Airport expand its passenger limit?” acknowledged that intensifying the traffic at Dublin Airport is counterintuitive.
Mr Slattery advocates for a more robust regional growth strategy, which underpins his argument. Conversely, Ms O’Leary underlines the paramount role the aviation sector must undertake to achieve climate change goals and secure future generations.
I couldn’t agree more with both perspectives.
However, there’s a third perspective that arises from prioritising Dublin excessively in commercial, aviation, political, and other sectors. The perception that Dublin should be the epicentre for all activities in Ireland prevails.
Granted, Dublin is our capital but it has substantial shortcomings. A capital should effortlessly provide for its residents and workforce besides extending hospitality to its guests. There are over 10,000 homeless inhabitants in the city, and many more, suppressed by exorbitant rents, are compelled to survive rather than lead dignified lives. City employees such as policemen, teachers, nurses amongst others have to brave congested traffic daily because they can’t afford to live here. With exorbitant hotel prices and the continuous denial to acknowledge that regional areas can offer solutions if incentivised, the nation needs a strategic shift.
On another note, Dublin Airport has exceeded acceptable limits for traffic and noise pollution and is undermining Fingal County Council’s significant planning prerequisites in partnership with other entities.
Dómhnal Slattery highlights that both Shannon and Cork Airports have considerable unused capacity. These airports are also well networked with the rest of the country and can bolster existing industries while attracting new investment in the south and west.
It is necessary for the Government to take up the mantle of governance and leadership in this regard. This matter is undeniably a national one which calls for attention at that level. Powerful stakeholders have every right to their perspectives, but it is crucial to assess these in relation to their effect on the broader national image.
For the meantime at least, Dublin should stand down and let its public facilities develop to the standard that is expected of a capital city, thus alleviating pressure on housing. Making such a move would significantly promote a balanced and sustained future growth of the country whilst also helping us hit our environmental goalposts. – Yours, etc,
Tom Tiernan, Ennis, County Clare.