Sir, – I notice in The Irish Times of September 6th (Business) that An Bord Pleanála has “deferred” making a decision on the DAA proposals for drop-off and pick-up charges for people leaving friends and family to the airport. Is it awaiting the next shock announcement on energy prices to slip it through?
Fingal County Council seems to have made the original decision approving the DAA proposals in a moment of eco virtue-signalling, without considering the lack of direct transport to the airport for people from many north Dublin suburbs or the needs of older people and those with disabilities who cannot stand for long periods. I also wonder why the abysmal customer service record of DAA in the last year is being rewarded.
I live a 20-minute drive from the airport. Using public transport to get to or from Dublin Airport entails up to 1½ hours travelling time on bus and Dart, all going well (this to be added to the 2½ hours pre-flight time at the airport). Airport-users are occasionally old, usually have luggage, and sometimes have children with child-seat requirements, which are not always met by taxis.
There is no direct bus service from Dublin Airport to the Howth, Sutton and Kilbarrack area, other than one which rambles around the suburbs of Swords, Malahide and Portmarnock before terminating (an hour later) in Main Street, Baldoyle, a mile from my home or any Dart station or car-park. Once there was a direct service from Howth Junction Dart station but it disappeared. No Aircoach in our areas.
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Incidentally, the lack of direct bus services to Dublin Airport from many of the suburbs where prospective staff live may be related to the DAA’s current hiring difficulties. – Yours, etc,
MÁIRÍDE WOODS,
Dublin 13.
