In February, Fingal County Council requested further details across 85 areas in a detailed 45-page letter, initially giving DAA six months to respond. The information was originally due by August 15th, but the Council has now extended the deadline to November 14th.

Aiden O’Neill of Coakley O’Neill Town Planning, representing DAA, requested the extension due to the “nature, extent, and complexity” of the information requested, emphasizing the need for thoroughness in DAA’s response.

A DAA spokesperson acknowledged the substantial volume of information required by the planning authority, stating that the extension was necessary to ensure the responses are comprehensive and accurate. The spokesperson added that DAA is committed to addressing all queries thoroughly to facilitate a smooth process.

Regarding the timeline for a decision on the application, the spokesperson noted that the final decision rests with both Fingal County Council and the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA). If the decision is appealed to An Bord Pleanála, the process could be further delayed.

DAA is also awaiting a ruling from An Bord Pleanála on its application to amend planning conditions for the operation of the North Runway. This application, lodged in December 2020, has been pending for over three years.

The spokesperson expressed hope that the recent resourcing of An Bord Pleanála might expedite the decision-making process, given the strategic importance of the application.

Additionally, DAA is preparing an interim application to increase the current passenger cap to 36 million per year, which could be submitted if it is believed to expedite the process of lifting the cap, thereby protecting jobs and maintaining connectivity.