DUBLIN, Ireland: Dublin Airport is moving forward with a proposal to make drivers pay a toll when dropping off or picking up passengers.

Agencies overseeing Dublin Airport have now given the go-ahead for the proposed toll.

Further, an oversight board has rejected an appeal opposing the toll by local independent councillor Joe Newman.

"There is no operational need for the tolling infrastructure, as people have been using the drop-off zones appropriately for numerous years now," said Newman, as quoted by Reuters.

The proposed tolls would apply to drivers dropping off and picking up passengers at Dublin Airport's Terminals 1 and 2.

Also, areas will be developed for autos to wait for passengers without disrupting traffic at the airport.

However, consultants working with Dublin Airport have admitted that the plans have been designed to reduce the number of passengers using private vehicles for drop-off and pick-up and to encourage the greater use of public transport.

In 2021, the Fingal County Council had refused to approve a plan by the airport to tax drivers entering the airport area.

The new proposal also calls for an increase of 100 short-term car park spaces and a loss of 220 long-term spaces.

Still, the airport authorities said they will continue to offer 4,000 short-term parking spaces and 26,800 long-term spaces.

Dublin Airport has also said that money taken in by the proposed toll would be used for sustainability initiatives at the airport.

In commenting on the proposed tolls, Newman said to prevent added congestion caused by collecting tolls, drivers should be allowed a 10-minute free period for vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers.

"Such a provision would also allow for travelers with accessibility complications, including families with several young children, to use the Dublin Airport facilities in the safest possible manner," he added, as quoted by the Irish Mirror.