No Green Light for Airport Pre-Departure Tests – DAA

The Irish Government has not provided Dublin airport with the planning exemption required to carry out onsite testing, the Oireachtas Transport Committee has heard

Dublin airport has the capability to deliver up to 15,000 pre-departure PCR tests per day, however, the Irish government has not provided DAA with the planning exemption required to carry out PCR tests.

Speaking to the Committee Dalton Philips, Chief Executive of DAA said the group has secured suppliers to deliver pre-departure testing facilities at its airports, but they require a planning exemption from the Government to have these service providers onsite.

Five airports currently offer rapid testing methods, including London Heathrow and Paris Charles De Gaulle.

Mr Philips appealed to the Oireachtas Transport Committee for its support in adopting a rapid, affordable, scalable, approach to pre-departure testing that will facilitate reinstating travel.

“Christmas is just 58 days away. We want to welcome home our loved ones safely and to allow those living here who have not been able to see their families overseas to be reunited,” he said.

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