Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
64. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has reflected further on the decision to award Fingal County Council the role of noise monitor for Dublin Airport in view of political and public opposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/18]
View answerThe Government has made a decision that Fingal County Council shall be the Competent Authority for the purpose of EU Regulation 598/2014. This Government decision was based on an assessment that Fingal County Council represented the best available option for the timely and effective implementation of the Airport Noise Regulation, given that there is significant amount of focus on the interaction between EU Regulation 598/2014, the 2002 Environmental Noise Directive and the planning and development framework. It therefore makes sense for Fingal County Council to be appointed to undertake this role in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the assessment of development and the impact of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport. Importantly, the Government also decided to introduce primary legislation to give effect to the Regulation. I have every intention of bringing forward a Bill that strikes a balance between the rights of local residents, the daa as the regulated entity and the broader national interest in recognition of the crucial importance of our primary national airport.
