Farmers would support protests at Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) airports if passenger numbers are increased by 25%, according to the results of an ad-hoc 24-hour poll conducted by Agriland this week.
The passenger cap at Dublin Airport is currently 32 million but the DAA has applied for permission to Fingal County Council to increase this by eight million.
Farming organisations have been quick to point that DAA wants to increase passenger numbers by 25% against the backdrop of the government insisting that the agriculture sector reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2030.
Earlier this week farmers drove their tractors to Cork Airport to highlight of what they said was “the unfairness” of Dublin Airport seeking to expand its business while Irish farmers were being told to reduce theirs.
Feedback from the audience who participated in the Agriland poll highlighted that many feel that “it should be one rule for everyone” and that “farmers are easy targets for climate change”.
“Everything has to be about Dublin. All services have to be centred in Dublin. No word about the rest of Ireland,” another said.
“It’s disgraceful if this is allowed to happen, Hypocrisy on behalf of government – one law for farmers and another for airlines”.
“Emissions ceiling for agriculture are over the top but it seems that agriculture is the scapegoat,” other farmers stated.
There was also a strong sentiment highlighted in feedback from people who took part in the poll that while farmers are “being forced to cut back to reduce emissions” why should other sectors and industries be “allowed to increase pollution levels?”
Some people also suggested that other airports including Shannon and Cork are available for both passengers and airlines to use.
“Flights or food – make your choice,” added one farmer who took part in the poll.
Agriland survey
We asked our audience the following questions:
One suggestion put forward in the poll was that the ceiling for emissions from agriculture “should be revised upwards to match DAA” if the passenger cap is increased from 32 million to 40 million per year.
But others who took part in the Agriland poll said there “should be no restrictions towards either” and “we are an island we can’t drive everywhere we want”.
Another farmer added: “Emissions for agriculture especially livestock needs to be addressed – we have the lowest carbon footprint in the world for food production based on output.
“The DAA has nothing to do with agriculture – let each sector be responsible for their emissions.”
Feedback showed that the majority of our audience who took part in the Agriland poll would support protests at airports if the passenger cap was increased.
“If DAA get permission to increase passenger numbers, I’ll be driving to Dublin airport with my tractor and slurry tank full.
“I would support protests if the current hypocrisy continues.
“It’s not right telling farmers do one thing and then let aviation do what it wants,” others added.