Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the section is to allow the regulated entity to seek a regulatory review in very limited circumstances where air traffic operations change dramatically and in a way unforeseen by the regulator when making its determination.

It would be in exceptional circumstances only based on material changes to the operational environment of the airport. Even then, the noise regulator will be the one to determine whether or not the situation has changed significantly enough to warrant a review and if it does, that process will be open and subject to consultation and appeal, etc. Therefore, the general public is still empowered. There is extensive public consultation and an appeals process and the regulator is empowered to respond to non-compliance by the airport with enforcement of a noise determination. Residents can go to the competent authority with complaints and the competent authority can and, obviously, will look at them.