Dublin Airport has vowed to improve the standards of cleanliness focusing on the toilets and general areas around both terminal buildings after an onslaught of complaints last summer.
There were several periods of time in 2022 when operations became so chaotic in the terminals - due to low staff numbers - that hygiene standards were being slammed online by thousands of passengers.
Twitter was alight with conversation and people did not hold back their images captured as they ventured through the bathrooms, dining and departure areas.
READ MORE: Ireland passport application warning as holidaymakers advised of current wait times
Toilets were overflowing, tissue littered the bathroom floor, and people’s leftover food lay strewn across tables throughout the airport.
Existing staff were run off their feet, awaiting new members to complete their mandatory training - however, daa CEO Kenny Jacobs vows things will change for the better.
He said: “We are expecting and planning for another busy year at Dublin Airport and the main focus is on improving security queue times and our standards in both terminals, but especially Terminal 1.
“Moving through the terminals is already easier and more enjoyable for passengers following a recent de-cluttering. We have listened to feedback from passengers and have ear-marked a number of areas for additional seating.
“A big emphasis is also being placed on improving basic services such as toilets and general cleanliness. Work to further improve the Dublin Airport experience will accelerate over the coming weeks and months”.
His comments come after it was revealed that pre-pandemic numbers of passengers were recorded for the first time in January.
Their statement read: “Dublin Airport enjoyed its busiest January ever with just over 2.1 million passengers travelling through during the opening month of the year, according to the airport's operator daa.
“The number of passengers travelling through Dublin Airport in January was 2% higher than in January 2019 - the previous record January - and more than double (113%) the numbers seen in January 2022.
“The early part of January saw some very busy days at Dublin Airport as thousands of people travelled home after the Christmas break. Nevertheless, security screening moved smoothly throughout January with 95.7% of passengers passing through in less than 20 minutes and virtually all through in under 30 minutes”.
It revealed that the total number of passengers carried by daa’s two Irish-operated airports during January this year was 2.27 million, up from 2.15 million in January 2019 and 956,000 in January 2022.
Speaking about the January performance at daa's Irish airports, Mr. Jacobs said: "January saw monthly passengers at Dublin Airport surpass pre-pandemic levels for the very first time. The volume of people travelling through both Dublin and Cork airports during January shows the continued strong appetite that exists for overseas travel post-Covid.
“The addition of an extra Bank Holiday weekend in February, combined with Valentine's Day and the mid-term school break, means February will be another very busy month at both airports.
“The busiest day at Cork Airport during the month was Tuesday, January 3 with 6,900 passengers travelling through, while the busiest day at Dublin Airport was Monday, January 2 with 88,900 passengers.
“The most popular destination from both Dublin and Cork airports was London Heathrow. In total, 78% of flights from Cork Airport departed on time in January, while 76% were on time leaving Dublin Airport.”
READ MORE:
National Lottery confirms locations of two EuroMillions wins
Daniel O'Donnell's sister remembered as 'force of nature' as Kathleen Doogan is laid to rest
Weather expert gives Beast for the East update for Ireland amid 'dip' in latest weather models
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
