The partnership between the EIB and daa strengthens Ireland’s connectivity while accelerating the transition to cleaner, smarter airport operations.
The Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ioannis Tsakiris, has confirmed a new €288 million long-term loan to daa, the operator of Dublin Airport and Cork airport, representing a major step towards decarbonising Irish transport infrastructure, as well as improving air quality.
In addition to the EIB’s support, daa has also secured a €2.335 million grant from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), further underlining the EU’s commitment to advancing sustainable transport infrastructure at Dublin Airport.
The combined backing from the European Investment Bank and the European Union’s CEF programme demonstrates a unified European approach to accelerating the decarbonisation and modernisation of Ireland’s key transport gateways.
The EIB financing will support a €627 million programme of sustainability projects at Dublin Airport. These combined investments will cut carbon emissions, improve water efficiency, and make Dublin Airport one of Europe’s most sustainable transport gateways. Individual schemes include large scale electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the campus and water and wastewater treatment upgrades.
The investment is part of long-term infrastructure EIB financing under the Bank’s climate action and environmental sustainability priorities and daa’s commitment to decarbonising airport operations while improving resilience and the overall passenger experience.
The schemes will reduce airport emissions, enhance resource efficiency and support cleaner energy use at Ireland’s busiest international gateway and a vital economic enabler for the Irish Republic. Inspiration for this joint approach builds on a longstanding EIB-daa partnership and the funding provided for previously developed infrastructure.
Kenny Jacobs, daa’s CEO commented:
“Today marks a real step forward for Dublin Airport. With the EIB’s backing, we’re able to push ahead with major upgrades that will make a genuine difference in rolling out EV charging at scale, modernising how we manage water, and switching our terminals to renewable energy sources. These projects aren’t just about cutting emissions; they’re about making the airport work better for everyone including our passengers, customers and staff as well as the wider community. It’s a long-term investment in the future of Dublin Airport and a clear signal of our commitment to sustainability.
“Dublin Airport is critical national infrastructure, and this new loan from the EIB is a strong vote of confidence in our vision. It shows the EIB’s commitment to mobilising capital for ambitious sustainability upgrades that align with European climate goals, while also supporting Ireland’s economic competitiveness. By electrifying ground operations, improving water management and converting our terminal energy use to cleaner sources, we’ll deliver real, measurable environmental benefits for years to come.”
Ioannis Tsakiris, European Investment Bank Vice President said:
“Dublin Airport plays a vital role as Ireland’s international gateway and a hub connecting communities and businesses across Europe and the world. The EIB is proud to support this ambitious investment that will make the airport greener, more efficient, and more resilient. Our €288 million financing reflects the EIB’s commitment to help Ireland decarbonise transport infrastructure and lead by example. Over the past decade, the Bank has provided more than €7.6 billion for airport investment across Europe and globally, increasingly focused on environmental and safety improvements and this project demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can drive both climate action and competitiveness.”
Project scope and benefits
Campus‑wide EV charging infrastructure
Deployment of high capacity charging systems to enable the transition of airside and landside vehicle fleets to zero emission alternatives, cutting local air pollutants and carbon emissions associated with ground operations. Messaging aligns with prior joint planning to highlight decarbonisation, innovation and operational gains.
Water and wastewater treatment upgrades
Modernisation of treatment, monitoring and re‑use systems to improve environmental performance, reduce consumption and enhance resilience during peak operations and future growth.
Collectively, these projects are expected to improve environmental outcomes, support jobs across delivery phases and provide a platform for long-term operational efficiency gains at Dublin Airport.
A trusted partnership
This new financing builds on more than thirty years of partnership and climate-aligned investment between the EIB and daa. Past EIB backing has supported critical infrastructure at Dublin and Cork airports, including terminal expansions, airfield upgrades and runway investment. Notable financings have included facilities of €125 million (2001), €115 million (2003), €200 million (2008), €260 million (2009) and €350 million (2019) to part fund terminals, piers, taxiways, stands and other enabling works.
daa has consistently noted the strategic value of long-term, flexible EIB finance in delivering essential infrastructure without recourse to the Exchequer, complementing its own cash generation and other borrowings.
Over the past decade, the EIB has provided more than €7.6 billion for airport investment across Europe and worldwide, increasingly focused on safety, resilience and sustainability.
Pictured above: Peter Dunne, daa Chief Financial Officer and Ioannis Tsakiris, European Investment Bank Vice President at the announcement at Dublin Airport. Credit Robbie Reynolds.
