Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
243. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasoning for his decision to appoint Fingal County Council as the competent authority in relation to the implementation of EU Regulation 5981/4; the way in which the local authority will play that role in Shannon, Cork and all the other regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14316/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOnce it was clear that the option of designating the Irish Aviation Authority as the competent authority was no longer available, the decision was taken - following extensive discussions - that Fingal County Council was best suited to undertake the role. Fingal County Council already has responsibilities under the EU Environmental Noise Directive which encapsulates responsibilities relating to noise caused by conurbations and major transport infrastructures, including roads, railways and airports. In addition, having regard to its planning functions, it has considerable experience and expertise in the conduct of environmental impact assessments, appropriate assessments and in managing extensive public consultations. There are therefore considerable synergies arising from the assignment of this additional role.
As regards how this may affect airports other than Dublin, EU Regulation 598/2014 only applies to airports with more than 50,000 civil aircraft movements per calendar year, and so it only applies to Dublin Airport for now, and for the far foreseeable future.
The full details of how the Regulation will be implemented, including the role and responsibilities of Fingal County Council, will be set out in primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced in my Department.
