New figures released under a parliamentary question reveal that Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spent €216,000 on Platinum Services—the VIP terminal at Dublin Airport—between January 2025 and July 2026, with €78,000 incurred in the first half of this year alone. The data, published by RTÉ Business on 23 September 2026, covers 164 bookings for foreign heads of state, trade delegations and high-profile investors. Platinum Services provides a private terminal, chauffeur-driven tarmac transfers and fast-track immigration for up to 12 passengers per suite, with published rates starting at €295 per person plus optional chauffeur fees from €145. The DFA defended the expenditure, stating that dedicated facilities “ensure the security and privacy of foreign dignitaries while facilitating efficient transit through the airport and enabling visitors to make the most of their official programmes”. The disclosure comes as the Government campaigns to attract record foreign direct investment during Ireland’s 2026 EU Council presidency. Officials argue that seamless airport processing helps secure large-scale projects by maximising senior executives’ time on the ground. However, opposition TDs questioned whether comparable hospitality could be achieved at lower cost given Dublin Airport’s existing fast-track and lounge options. For corporate mobility professionals the story is a reminder that Platinum Services remains the go-to solution for C-suite arrivals requiring discreet immigration and customs handling. Several multinational organisations—including tech and life-science firms—have begun incorporating Platinum bookings into VIP mobility policies, particularly for time-sensitive board meetings. Mobility teams should note that demand is expected to spike during Ireland’s EU presidency summits in October and November; advance reservations are advised. Separately, daa’s recently announced infrastructure upgrades include an expansion of the private terminal’s curb-side canopy and improvements to back-office immigration booths, signalling continued State support for the premium service. Companies weighing cost-benefit decisions should balance fees against productivity gains, data-privacy considerations and traveller well-being for high-level visitors.
Source: RTÉ News
