Statement from Minister Donohoe on the announcement of immigration civilianisation at Dublin Airport

16th September, 2014

Speaking following the announcement this afternoon (Tuesday) by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, of a major immigration civilianisation programme, which will begin with Dublin Airport, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, said:  ‘I very much welcome this civilianisation initiative which is key to addressing the delays being experienced by passengers at Dublin Airport for some time.  As well as ensuring best use of Garda resources, it will also ensure that the passport control operations are resourced sufficiently to deal with the growing requirements of passengers at the Airport.  One of the actions outlined in my Department’s draft Aviation Policy document is supporting the development of Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport, as a means of maximising air access for the Irish economy.  This initiative will allow Dublin Airport to compete effectively with the UK and other airports for traffic flows between Europe and the US, which should have a positive effect not only on Dublin Airport but also on the wider economy’.