Dublin Airport has been granted permission to increase the number of night-time flights it can operate.
An Coimisiun Pleanala has reversed a planned cut to numbers it had previously signalled would be imposed.
The number of flights permitted has increased from an average of 65 a night to 95 between 11pm and 7am.
Meanwhile on the North runway, flights can now operate up to midnight and from 6am.
The planning body has also ruled a "Noise Quota Scheme" would apply to aircraft movement on the north runway, meaning the type of aircraft used during night time hours would be limited, depending on the noise emitted.
daa Response
daa has welcomed the decision with CEO Kenny Jacobs saying: "Overall this is a good decision for Ireland. North Runway is a critical enabler for the growth of Dublin Airport, which is needed to keep pace with population increases and economic opportunities.
"We invested hundreds of millions in a second runway to benefit Ireland but have been hamstrung in using it effectively since it opened.
"We welcome the clarity today’s decision brings which removes uncertainty for Dublin Airport and the airlines, as well as having a positive impact on jobs and investment in Ireland.
"However, we are disappointed with the nighttime movements cap which is on top of a noise quota. We also reaffirm our clear commitment to engaging with the local community to mitigate the impact of airport operations and have already begun to implement the noise insulation grant scheme.
"Today’s decision is also key to unlocking the block preventing FCC from progressing our application to build the piers and stands needed to enable Dublin Airport to grow to 40 million passengers a year."
We welcome today’s decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála which means…
✈️ Dublin Airport’s North Runway can be used for 2 additional hours each day
✈️ Nighttime noise at the airport will be managed by an annual noise quota rather
Read our statement here… https://t.co/dwthspvP0M
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) July 17, 2025
"Disappointment"
However local residents say they're disappointed.
In a statement St Margarets The Ward (SMTW) residents group and local organisations says: "The decision, which extends operating hours by an additional hour on either side of the current 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. timeframe, will inflict severe hardship on communities that are already suffering from the impact of illegal flight paths over residential areas.
"Since the opening of the North Runway in August 2022, residents living under these flight paths have endured “daily torment from the relentless roar of jets over their homes.
"The approved change means planes will now cross through our skies from 6 a.m. until midnight, further disrupting lives and impacting the health and well-being of countless families."
A spokesperson for SMTW residents, Liam O’ Gradaigh, says: "What makes this approval particularly egregious is that the flight paths could have been routed over uninhabited solar panel fields, which have been lying barren for over 20 years in anticipation of authorized flight paths.
"Instead, the decision intentionally subjects thousands of people to unnecessary noise and pollution, which could have been easily avoided.
"This is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct attack on our health and quality of life. The government and An Bord Pleanála have chosen to prioritize corporate interests over the well-being of their citizens. This decision is reckless, short-sighted, and harmful.
"The repercussions of this decision extend far beyond the communities of St. Margaret’s and The Ward. Areas such as Malahide, Kinsealy, and Portmarnock will experience a vast increase in night-time flights, robbing residents of much-needed sleep.
"Our airport communities feel utterly abandoned and betrayed."
