Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
186. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Airport Authority has conducted any research into environmental impact of planes flying over the Clondalkin and Lucan areas, including that of noise pollution; if another less densely-populated route will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42451/22]
View answerOversight of the issue of aircraft noise pollution is a very thorough process and involves multiple parties including Dublin Airport Authority, local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. In the case of Dublin Airport, Fingal County Council is the competent authority for aircraft noise regulation and the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) was established in 2019 and ensures that the ICAO Balanced Approach is adhered to.
Dublin Airport is currently working on delivering an expanded network of noise monitoring stations across communities that may be impacted by aircraft noise. Lucan and Clondalkin are areas earmarked for inclusion in the roll out of this expanded network of monitors which will provide both the airport and communities with relevant aircraft noise measurements and data.
Every effort is made to identify those communities impacted by airport operations and to minimise the impact of airport activity on these communities when designing flight routes. While safety is the primary focus, routes are designed to avoid overflight of built-up areas where possible.
