Sir, – In Arthur Beesley’s article, “Dublin Airport passenger cap set to be scrapped” (Business, February 10th), I was disappointed he didn’t point out that Darragh O’Brien is Minister for Climate as well as Minister for Transport.
The Minister’s announcement shows his disregard, and that of the Government’s, for the first part of his mandate, specifically climate and environment.
Air travel is a big contributor to the changes in our climate that are causing the kinds of issues that Enniscorthy and other places experienced in recent weeks. There is a complete disconnect between the two on the part of the government and a hypocritical stance shown by them.
A climate emergency was declared by the previous government, yet successive governments have failed to act accordingly. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN ROCHFORD,
Kells,
Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – If the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, which was a 2007 condition attached to planning permission for Terminal 2, can be removed by ministerial order in the national interest, then why can’t Ministers intervene with other projects?
For example, Ireland’s onshore wind fleet is one of the most efficient in Europe, yet grid connection offers are being deferred to the late 2030s. It is not a resource problem; it is a permissions problem.
The same logic that is being applied to aviation must be applied to other critical infrastructure. We are an island nation with an abundant natural resource: wind. Failing to harness it fully will mean higher energy costs, missed climate targets and continued dependence on imported fuels.
It may also mean our big IT companies will look elsewhere to set up centres because we can’t provide the necessary energy. Where projects are demonstrably in the national interest, the State must be willing to prioritise delivery while still ensuring proper environmental safeguards.
The airport decision demonstrates that distinction can be made. The question now is whether it becomes a precedent or an exception. – Yours, etc,
PETER MALBASHA,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.