Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Services.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

191 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the considerations, if any, given to the optimum or ultimate capacity for growth which remains at Dublin Airport in view of the proposals for a further runway; and the concerns about noise and air pollution raised by adjacent residential communities. [9169/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The issue of development capacity at Dublin Airport was considered by Warburg Dillon Read-AIB in their recent report on Aer Rianta's future strategic direction. The advisers considered this issue in the context of appraising the need, if any, for a second airport in the Dublin area.

I note the advisers formed the view that Dublin Airport is not constrained from a capacity point of view and indeed, that it has sufficient capacity to expand and accommodate up to 40 million passengers per annum. This figure of about 40 million is, therefore, the most recent estimate of the optimum or ultimate capacity of Dublin Airport and compares to a figure of 12.8 million passengers using the airport in 1999. The advisers also considered various forecasts for passenger growth at Dublin Airport and, depending on the assumptions used, Dublin would reach its estimated capacity potential in 20 to 30 years time. In due course, obviously, there will be a need to plan in a timely fashion for further airport capacity in the Dublin area. The advisers also believe that plans currently under consideration to improve surface transport links to the airport will ease current access difficulties.

As regards the provision of further runway capacity at Dublin Airport, the position is that in discussions with my Department, Aer Rianta has outlined its indications that an additional runway is estimated to be required towards the end of the current decade. I understand from the company that there is a technical committee, comprising Aer Rianta, the airlines, the Irish Airline Pilots Association and the Irish Aviation Authority, which is currently considering and evaluating runway capacity issues at Dublin Airport and the options for ensuring that the needs of future traffic growth can be facilitated in a timely fashion.

I am aware of the concerns of some residents in north Dublin in relation to aircraft noise. 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.

In addition, 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 that this study is expected to be completed by the middle of this year. I welcome this initiative by Aer Rianta, which informs me that it will continue to encourage all measures to minimise noise impact where practicable.