Transport Committee to discuss second runway at Dublin Airport with Minister

Committee Chairman Fergus O’Dowd said: “Dublin Airport is a key piece of national infrastructure which is crucial to the economic growth and development of the country as a whole. It is a major hub for both business and leisure and this is evidenced by the huge increase in passenger numbers using the airport. The need for additional capacity and a new runway to cater for these numbers has been recognised. But it is also important that any development is mindful of the need to minimise the impact on communities in the vicinity of the airport.

Earlier this year, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross, announced the government’s intention to appoint Fingal County Council as the new independent Airport Noise Regulator for Dublin Airport. The new independent Regulator will operate in accordance with EU Regulation 598/2014, which sets out how the impact of airport noise should be managed and monitored at all major European airports. At our meeting we will discuss proposals for noise regulation with the Minister and examine in detail how noise levels at Dublin Airport are to be regulated and monitored.”

This meeting will start at 10.45am in Committee Room 4, Leinster House.

The Committee will meet earlier in Committee Room 4 at 9.30am to discuss a motion on the approval of the Air Services Agreement between Ireland and the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Air Services Agreement between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD will attend this meeting.

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.