Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2016
47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, since 2 November 2016, on ongoing problems being highlighted by residents' groups regarding the lack of meaningful engagement and consultation by the DAA with local communities, particularly on the buy-out scheme and insulation programme. [38676/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the DAA has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project. I welcomed the DAA's announcement in April that they intended to proceed with the project but I have also stated on a number of occasions that it is vital that a balance is struck between the delivery of infrastructure and interests of local communities.
I have already met with a number of residents' groups to hear their views and concerns. The most recent of these meetings took place on 14 November with representatives of a number of communities in North County Dublin, and my officials have followed up with the DAA on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I have been fully briefed on the mitigation measures required under the Runway's planning permission, including the voluntary home sound insulation scheme and voluntary dwelling purchase scheme as well as a community trust fund dedicated to projects in the local area. I also understand that a Community Liaison Group for residents in St. Margaret's and the Ward has been established, as stipulated by the North Runway's planning permission. Four meetings of this group have taken place since September. A special briefing meeting was held on 10 November to discuss, inter alia, noise contour generation, the voluntary home insulation scheme and the voluntary dwelling purchase scheme. The agendas and minutes of all of these meetings are available on the DAA's website.
The North Runway project is a vital piece of national infrastructure. I assure the deputy that I will continue to urge the DAA to engage in a meaningful way with residents, to ensure a fair outcome for all.
