Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2300. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for implementing EU Regulation 598/14; and if he plans to accede to the Dublin Airport Authority's request that he propose legislation to empower another authority to overrule the planning conditions inserted by An Bord Pleanála restricting the night time use of the airport in the interest of the health of local residents. [35191/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, the Government approved a process to give effect to Regulation 598 by way of primary legislation. The Government also agreed to an accelerated timeline for enactment, with a general scheme to be published in September and passage through the Houses expected by the end of this year.
With regard to the matter of the operating restrictions which form part of the planning permission for the new runway, it is envisaged that the legislation will provide that these restrictions shall be reviewed in light of Regulation 598, which provides for a much broader and technically informed analysis of airport noise and its effective management. This may result in no change to the operating restrictions which will come into force when the new runway is complete, it may result in more onerous restrictions or it may result in a new set of noise abatement measures. That will be a matter for the new regulator, Fingal County Council.
It is also important to note that the EU Regulation requires full public consultation before the Competent Authority makes a final decision about noise-related operating measures or restrictions at the airport. This will be set out clearly in the proposed primary legislation affording all stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. The Bill will also provide for an independent appeals process with An Bord Pleanála to be appointed as the Appeals Body for purposes of the Regulation.
