As the Deputy is aware, daa has a statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport. daa was granted planning permission in 2007 for a second parallel runway and the necessary lands have been preserved for such a project for a considerable time. However, due to the downturn in the economy, the project was not progressed.
Given the significant increase in passenger numbers at Dublin Airport in recent years and the projected traffic growth in future years, it is clear that a second parallel runway will be needed to cater for future growth sooner rather than later. This is in line with the National Aviation Policy (NAP) which recognises our dependence on aviation for our links with the rest of the world and the importance of ensuring that the sector can continue to grow to underpin economic recovery and development.
In light of the strategic importance of this project, I have had discussions with the Chairman of the Board of the daa together with senior management about this project. In those discussions, daa have noted their concern that the impact of some of the planning conditions would restrict operations across the entire airport at key times. The development of an air cargo hub was not raised during those discussions.
The restrictions on airport operations that are contained in the planning permission for the second runway appear to be for the purpose of noise management. New EU legislation in this area will enter into effect by 13 June this year - specifically EU Regulation 598/14 concerning noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports which requires the application of a balanced approach between stakeholders. This regulation sets out the mandatory procedure to be followed when introducing operating restrictions at airports.
Since 2002, there has been a number of EU Directives governing the environmental noise from transport sources, including major airports. Specifically in relation to Dublin Airport, the implementation of the EU legislation involves this Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Environmental Protection Agency, Fingal County Council, Irish Aviation Authority and the daa. The new noise regulation presents an opportunity to establish a modern cohesive and measured approach to the management of noise at Irish airports which is capable of delivering the best outcome for all stakeholders, including the communities referred to by the Deputy at Dublin Airport.
My Department along with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government are now engaged in discussions on the best way forward to ensure the appropriate implementation of the Regulation by mid-June.
