Aer Rianta has a statutory duty under the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998 to manage and develop the State airports, including Dublin airport. Planning issues relating to development proposed in the vicinity of Dublin airport are a matter for the relevant planning authority, in this case Fingal County Council. Arising from its statutory remit, it is the policy of the Irish Aviation Authority to formally object to the grant of planning permission for any development affecting an airport that it considers would infringe international safety standards.
In relation to the specific matters raised in the Deputy's question, it is open to any person who feels they have a case to pursue to avail of the remedies available including, where appropriate, action through the courts. The Deputy may wish to note that consultants, commissioned by my Department in conjunction with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, are currently finalising a study on the development of public safety zones in the vicinity of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports. The recommendations of the consultants will deal specifically with the risks to people on the ground by providing guidance to local authorities and individuals contemplating development in the vicinity of State airports. These public safety zones will differ from the existing so-called red zones, which deal with the avoidance of obstacles to aircraft taking off or landing at the airports and which will continue to be administered by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Question No. 353 answered with Question No. 344.