Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2017
77. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on the establishment of the IAA as the competent authority relating to airport noise under EU Directive 598/14; the level of consultation with community representatives; the extra staff recruited; and any other relevant decisions. [29945/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the establishment of the new Competent Authority is a top priority for my Department in order to give full effect in Irish Law to Regulation 598/2014. The new Statutory Instrument is currently being concluded by officials in my Department with detailed legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General. It is, most certainly, a matter of urgency as I have repeatedly and publically indicated.
Regarding the issues the Deputy refers to, as I have previously stated, I have made a commitment that the Authority will meet with community representatives and that the meeting should take place as soon as the designation process is finalised. In relation to staff recruitment and other matters pertinent to this significant Regulation, again, it will fall to the Competent Authority to finalise the necessary arrangements, including recruitment, to enable it to carry out its functions under the Regulation.
