Regulation 598/2014 on noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports entered into force on 13 June. However, a Statutory Instrument will be necessary to give practical effect to the Regulation in Ireland. The arrangements for the implementation of the Regulation are being discussed between my Department and the Attorney General's Office in that context.
The Regulation concerns the implementation of the "Balanced Approach" to noise management, a concept developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation for the process to be followed when introducing noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. While the process is predominantly an aviation transport issue, there are land-use planning and management considerations which are germane to my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. That Department is accordingly also contributing to current discussions.