The legislative process on aircraft noise in the European Union is based on the noise certification standards laid down in annex 16 to the convention of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, 1944. An EU directive adopted in 1992 provides for the gradual phaseout between 1 April 1995 and 1 April 2002 of all aircraft which do not meet the noise standards specified in chapter 3 of annex 16.
The 1992 directive allowed for chapter 2 aircraft to be acoustically modified through the fitting of hushkits to enable these aircraft to meet chapter 3 standards. The proposed EU regulation refered to by the Deputy aims at limiting the use of hushkitted aircraft which have been recertified as meeting chapter 3 standards principally by providing that from 1 April 1999 hushkitted aircraft cannot be added to the registers of member states. Hushkitted aircraft are marginal chapter 3 aircraft and with the phasing out of chapter 2 aircraft will be the noisest aircraft types flying. The proposed regulation is a response to extensive studies carried out by the European Commission on the problem of nuisance caused by aircraft noise.
I am aware that, at the recent ICAO assembly there were differing views in relation to the proposed EU regulation. However, it was agreed at the assembly that work in relation to improved noise standards at ICAO level, including the development of standards more stringent than those contained in chapter 3, would be accelerated.
In regard to the implementation of the proposed EU regulation in Ireland, I am advised by the Irish Aviation Authority that the proposed regulation should not pose difficulties for existing Irish licensed air carriers.
A common position on the proposed regulation was agreed by Council on 16 November 1998. The co-decision procedure with the European Parliament is being finalised.
