Noise Pollution Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Ceisteanna (109)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

109. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a risk analysis has been conducted in regard to potential infringement proceedings being launched by the European Commission against Ireland on the appointment of Fingal County Council as the competent authority with regard to the process to be followed when adopting noise-related operating restrictions in view of the fact that per Article 3 of Regulation 598/2014 (details supplied) competent authorities must be independent of organisations which could be affected by noise-related action. [25031/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Government has made a decision that Fingal County Council shall be the Competent Authority for the purpose of EU Regulation 598/2014.  This Government decision was based on an assessment that Fingal County Council represented the best available option for the timely and effective implementation of the Airport Noise Regulation, given that there is significant amount of focus on the interaction between EU Regulation 598/2014, the 2002 Environmental Noise Directive and the planning and development framework.  It therefore makes sense for Fingal County Council to be appointed to undertake this role in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the assessment of development and the impact of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport.

The process that will be put in place for the implementation of EU Regulation 598/2014 will be supported by primary legislation which will ensure that Fingal County Council will have the legal basis to carry out it functions in full accordance with the Regulation. I am confident that the arrangement will represent the best interests of all stakeholders, will be transparent and independent and will fully meet all the requirements set out in the Regulation.