Vol. 516 No. 4
61 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the construction of a new runway has resulted in new flight paths for aircraft on the approaches to Dublin Airport; if the noise hazard created for residents will be monitored; if noise abatement measures have been undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8404/00]
There is not a new runway currently under construction at Dublin airport. The noise the Deputy is referring to may be emanating as a consequence of works being carried out on a rapid exit taxiway from the main runway at the airport. The construction of this taxiway, which is an essential element of the on-going infrastructural improvements at the airport, requires closure of the main runway at night and the consequential exclusive use of the secondary runway. This means that more aircraft overfly built up areas than would otherwise be the case and I am aware of the concerns of residents in north Dublin of the resulting aircraft noise.
Work on the rapid exit taxiway is scheduled for completion in early April. Aer Rianta assures me that every effort is being made to complete the works as soon as possible, subject to the constraints of weather and operational delays. I assure the Deputy that the regulations which apply in Ireland to aircraft noise levels are those which have been promulgated at European Union level.
As regards noise monitoring and abatement measures, I am advised by Aer Rianta that it has commissioned a consultancy study which will propose a noise management strategy, including provision of noise monitoring at Dublin Airport. I understand this study is expected to be completed by the middle of this year. I welcome this initiative by Aer Rianta who inform me that they will continue to encourage all measures to minimise noise impact where practicable.
