Many social media users have expressed anger at the new plans to charge motorists for dropping off or picking up passengers at Dublin Airport.
According to RTE, new zones are proposed for cars outside Terminals 1 and 2 where drivers will have to pay to collect or deliver passengers to the airport. Currently, people are allowed to drive their cars in front of the terminal buildings to drop off travellers but not to collect them. The airport said that this system has been ‘abused’ for years, with many drivers circling the building or simply waiting outside anyway for their passengers.
According to a spokesperson for the airport, the new scheme is designed to reduce car use and encourage public transport. This has led some social media users to point out the lack of a railway connection to the airport, which most European capitals have had for years. Last year 32% of people accessed the airport by car, the same amount as by buses. Some have also complained that the Aircoach service is also overpriced, and should expand to cover areas further outside the Dublin region. Many agree that motorists should not be charged until better public transport alternatives are provided.
The new charges can be introduced when planning authorities give the green light, but will not fully begin until after the Covid-19 pandemic.
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