Noise Pollution

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Questions (178)

Alan Farrell

Question:

178. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding making the IAA the regulatory authority over noise levels at Dublin Airport; the resources his Department would allocated to the IAA to allow it to effectively carry out this function; the measures which would be implemented to allow the IAA to effectively penalise the DAA for any breaches of noise regulations; his views on whether the IAA will be able to effectively monitor noise levels at Dublin Airport, ensure compliance, and protect local residents from undue and unacceptable levels of noise pollution the airport and its activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32384/16]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In accordance with EU Regulation 598/2014 establishing rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports, it is required of all EU Member States to designate a Competent Authority to carry out specific functions prescribed in the Regulations. As the Deputy will be aware from my announcement on the 22nd of September, 2016, I am designating the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as the Competent Authority in Ireland to carry out those functions.

The new regulatory arrangements for airport noise management in Ireland will be given statutory effect by way of a Statutory Instrument. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Office of the Attorney General to settle the precise details of the transposition of this EU Regulation. It is envisaged that resourcing and compliance issues will be addressed in the Statutory Instrument, which it is aimed to complete by the end of this year.

I am satisfied that the arrangements for the new airport noise regulatory regime announced on 22 September last offers the best option for effective implementation of EU Regulation 598/2014 and that the IAA, in its capacity as Competent Authority, will take due account of the interests of local residents. I am also meeting groups of residents to take account of their interests.