Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry to return to this point but we need further clarification on the noise directive of 2002, which was implemented in 2006, in terms of how it has operated. I accept that greater regulation of noise at our airports was not a decision of the Irish Government but of the EU. It is a directive that has been imposed on all EU countries. From what the witnesses have said today, we need to make sure we get this right. We have to ensure it is the right body and that it has the capabilities to implement this directive. I have a worry because the directive is 17 pages long. One might talk about it being cumbersome, but the heads of the Bill is 73 pages long. In certain areas there seems to be duplication. I will give an example of that. Head 9.3 requires a parallel planning application with a noise assessment process. The application is to the same body. The planning application is submitted to Fingal County Council with the CEO as the line manager. The line manager for the noise assessment process is also Fingal County Council. Head 26 requires all development in the airport to be considered by the competent authority to assess the likely effect of the proposed development on the noise situation in the airport in addition to going through the ordinary planning process. We seem to have parallel procedures. We have talked about ensuring efficiency and ensuring it is non-cumbersome, which is the word Mr. Gallagher used, but it appears to be very cumbersome. It will be problematic. It will lead to significant delays. It is a worry in terms of the long-term sustainable development and growth of Dublin Airport. The Bill removes Dublin Airport from strategic infrastructure zoning. This has the potential to slow down the national aviation policy and the long-term objectives and plans for Dublin Airport to grow as an international hub for transatlantic flights from mainland Europe. Can the witnesses please supply the committee with a list of countries and the competent authorities they have used? Will the witnesses supply the committee with information on how the EU noise directive of 2002 has been managed and rolled out by Fingal County Council since it was taken on board?

I have a number of other questions but perhaps the witnesses will answer those questions first.