50 signatures reached
To: The Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen
Update Ireland's Aviation Policy
Ireland's current National Aviation Policy was published in 2015, having been formulated over the previous three years. It is now 10 years old, and out of date. Given ever-increasing air traffic, and consequent emissions, while also bearing in mind the importance of the sector to Ireland's international connectivity, it is time to reevaluate our aviation policy.
Why is this important?
The stated main goals of Ireland's aviation policy are about:
1. Enhancing connectivity for the needs of business, tourism and consumers.
2. Growing aviation enterprise
3. Maximising the contribution of the aviation sector to Ireland’s economic growth and development
Goal 3 is incompatible with other areas of government policy, in particular in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. Goal 3 also encourages the aviation sector to behave in ways which are contrary to the well-being of the citizens of Ireland in the future, as well as to other people outside Ireland likely to be impacted by climate change.
Given that commercial aviation fuel is tax exempt, this amounts to a subsidy of tens of billions of euros in Europe annually, and this subsidy should be discussed in the formation of Ireland's new aviation policy.