Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 47:

In page 11, line 31, after "authority" where it firstly occurs to insert "or any organisation or individual impacted by airport noise".

These amendments are even more important. We must bear in mind that this section deals with what we will call the normal EU Regulation No. 598 application process which is slightly different from that in the various sections. Part 3 deals with planning applications. It involves normal queries and how the competent authority will deal with them outside a planning application. The legislation states only the airport authority may, by notice in writing given to the competent authority, request the competent authority to assess a noise issue. I am looking to ensure the airport authority or any organisation or individual impacted by airport noise would be able to approach the competent authority because as of now only the airport authority is allowed to initiate the process under EU Regulation No. 598. The problem concerns the criteria. On the one hand, the DAA may do so at its discretion. That has to be changed. What does "may at its discretion mean"? What is the threshold? What if the DAA decides not to go to the competent authority? Who would stop it in that regard? Why does the DAA have control over whether it should do so? Should it not be mandatory? If it is, what is the threshold? The DAA must assess the matter in a manner that is transparent. The two amendments are critical; otherwise, we are not specifying a route for persons outside the DAA. I am adamant that the amendments should be accepted.