Noise Pollution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017

Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Questions (638)

Seán Haughey

Question:

638. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing complaints from residents of Clontarf, Dublin 3, about night time aircraft noise when the secondary 16/34 crosswind runway is used due to upgrading works on the main runway at Dublin airport; if he is satisfied that the attention of the Irish Aviation Authority has been drawn to its responsibilities under EU Regulation 598/2014 in respect of aircraft noise; if he will intervene to ensure that this noise nuisance is alleviated for local residents; if these aircraft flying at low altitude pose a danger for the householders affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39671/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Firstly, I can advise that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the State's Air Traffic Management (ATM) and the daa (Dublin Airport Authority) is responsible for the operation and management of Dublin airport. The direction of flight paths and the altitude of flights at Dublin airport is an operational matter for the IAA while the daa is responsible for the opening and closing of runways to facilitate runway repairs. Consequently, I shall forward the aspects of your question relating to these matters to the respective Authorities for direct reply. However, please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.

On the issue of noise management at Dublin airport, I would like to clarify that Regulation 598/2014 establishes rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports within, what is termed, the 'balanced approach' developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Officials in my Department are currently working closely with the Office of the Attorney General determining the appropriate legislative arrangements to give full effect and implementation to the provisions of Regulation 598/2014 and to bring those legislative arrangements to completion urgently. These legislative arrangements will include designating a competent authority with responsibility for the management of aircraft noise at the airport.