Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of issues of unanswered complaints from the DAA (details supplied); the body that can investigate the DAA; if he agrees that a new external body needs to be created to handle this process for the DAA; and what actions will he take in relation to this. [4735/24]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport, including dealing with noise complaints at the airport.
Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. These measures are designed to address long-term adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and quality of life, whilst also facilitating the sustainable development of the airport.
The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) which was established in 2019 is the independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport.
A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible.
A NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA in 2022 to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes. daa is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport.
On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport.
In addition to this, I understand that a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA. Through this process, ANCA will determine whether the change in noise impact at the airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or operating restrictions. The review which commenced in December 2022 is expected to conclude in the coming months.
I understand that Dublin Airport provides ANCA with data on complaints logged with its online complaints system "Webtrack" in an annual compliance report.
daa recently informed my Department that to enhance tracking of aircraft using Dublin Airport, daa have added 18 new noise monitoring terminals (16 fixed and two mobile) to the existing system, with 8 further fixed and 1 mobile monitor scheduled to be installed over the coming months.
daa has assured me they continue to regularly engage with the Community and stakeholders on matters related to noise at the airport.
