Vol. 486 No. 1
337 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will outline the regulations which apply in Ireland for emitting noise levels from aircraft; if she will indicate whether Irish regulations are more relaxed than in other EU countries and, in particular, in the UK; and the proposals, if any, she has to amend Irish regulations. [2190/98]
The regulations which apply in Ireland to aircraft noise levels are contained in the European Communities (Restriction of Civil sub-sonic Jet Aeroplane Operations) Regulations, 1993 (S. I. No. 130 of 1993). These regulations give effect to the provisions of EU Council Directive No. 92/14/EEC affecting the operation of certain categories of sub-sonic jet aeroplanes within the territories of the member states.
Council Directive No. 92/14/EEC applies to all member states of the European Union. The combined effect of the Council directive and the regulations means that aircraft shall not be operated at an airport within the State as from 1 April 1995, unless there is in force in respect of that aeroplane a noise certificate, certifying that the noise made by that aeroplane is not greater than the noise levels specified in Part II, Chapter 3, volume 1 of Annex 16 (2nd Edition, 1988) to the Chicago Convention. I should add that there are provisions in the regulations which enable me to grant exemptions or to recognise other member states' exemptions for certain stated purposes.
Discussions are proceeding in the EU Transport Ministers Council on amendment of the 1992 Council directive. The current Irish regulations will be updated to give effect to any agreed amendments to EU law.
