Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Regional Airports.

Austin Currie

Question:

113 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, with reference to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 13 June 2001 to Deputy Currie, she will state the action she intends to take to provide protection from aircraft noise for the residents of Weston Estate, Lucan, County Dublin and other residents living adjacent to Weston Aerodrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18634/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The regulations outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 13 June 2001 are those which apply to larger commercial jet aircraft. The aircraft using Weston Aerodrome are smaller aircraft mostly engaged in training, leisure or general aviation.

Weston Aerodrome has been operating as an aerodrome since 1938 and in recent years the development of Lucan has pushed large residential areas quite close to it. With a view to limiting the noise impact on residential areas, Weston Aerodrome has introduced recommended procedures for pilots in relation to the flight paths and altitudes. However, in view of the very close proximity of Weston estate to the aerodrome and, in particular, the direction of the main runway in relation to the estate, it is inevitable that there will be some level of noise experienced by residents when aircraft take off and land. While I regret the disturbance being experienced by the residents of Weston Park, it is also clear that the planning authority has a role in these matters. I note that when planning permission was sought for the Weston estate a number of objections, including one from Weston Aerodrome, were lodged but An Bord Pleanála eventually upheld the planning permission.