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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 1

Other Questions. - Noise Pollution.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

12 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans being put in place to control noise levels affecting residential areas in the environs of Dublin Airport; if there are any plans to install fixed monitors on the flight approaches; and if there will be night time curfews introduced to protect residential areas such as Portmarnock and St. Margaret's in County Dublin. [11847/01]

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

48 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if legislation is required to install fixed monitors, noise and track monitoring system and if she has any proposals to introduce legislation on this issue. [11846/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 48 together.

I am advised by Aer Rianta that, in conjunction with representatives of the aviation industry at Dublin Airport, it recently developed a comprehensive noise management strategy for Dublin Airport. The strategy incorporates a policy statement, a set of general objectives and an action plan. This action plan is being implemented by the Dublin Airport operations planning group which is fully representative of all the aviation interests at Dublin Airport including Aer Rianta, the Irish Aviation Authority and airlines. The noise management strategy is part of the broader process of consultation by Aer Rianta. It is envisaged that this consultation will, in due course, also involve local residents.

As part of this strategy, Aer Rianta is in the process of procuring and installing a noise and flight track monitoring system. This will be an integrated system whereby aircraft flight tracks and aircraft noise will be monitored at six fixed reference points around Dublin Airport. The locations for these reference points have been selected in accordance with the criteria set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The system will be implemented on a par with best practice at other airports in Europe and will comply with all relevant standards.

Additional informationNo legislation will be required from my Department to allow for the implementation of this system. However, planning permission is required from Fingal County Council and an application will be lodged shortly by Aer Rianta. The Irish Aviation Authority will support the aircraft tracks and noise monitoring system by making available radar data. The authority has also assisted in alleviating the impact of aircraft noise by the introduction of departures procedures at Dublin Airport which minimize the impact of aircraft on major residential areas.

The regulations which apply in Ireland to aircraft noise levels are those which have been promulgated at European Union level. As a result of these regulations, the older and nosier generation of aircraft will be banned from European Union airports from 1 April 2002.

I have no plans to introduce night time curfews at Dublin Airport. While I am alive to the concerns of residents, I must also bear in mind the needs of other sectors, such as manufacturing industry, international cargo operators, charter operators and their passengers. These sectors rely very heavily on open access at Dublin Airport, particularly in view of modern "just in time" distribution methods which are essential to the functioning of modern international companies.

This is an important environmental measure. Will a monetary charge be imposed on those who breach the regulations and will the regulator or the airport company monitor them?

I am not sure but I will revert to the Deputy with the information.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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