Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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There are a couple of issues I wish to raise, one of which was alluded to, namely, the proposed second runway at Dublin Airport which offers great potential not only for the airport but also Ireland as whole. It would open up Dublin Airport as a transatlantic hub, improve connectivity and our ability to connect with Asia and the Far East.

As I am not living in the constituency in which Dublin Airport is situated, it might be quite easy for me to say the restrictions being imposed under the planning permission criteria of 2007 are simply unworkable if we are to open up the airport and improve traffic numbers and movement through it. Mr. Ó Ríordáin should try, as he proceeds, to have these onerous conditions removed. Every effort should be made, with the local people who will be affected by the proposed new runway, to purchase houses that will need to be purchased and insulate those that will need to be insulated. Treble-glazed windows should be installed. Whatever needs to be done to minimise the impact on the residents living in close proximity to the airport should be done. I understand there are new EU noise regulations to be issued. The airport must adhere to them because we cannot have circumstances in which residents will be adversely affected by the expansion.

The one concern I have about the proposed second runway is the increase in the associated cost. Originally, it was identified as approximately €260 million, but now it has been identified as €320 million. At a time when labour and construction costs are falling, I do not understand why the cost of the second runway is increasing. With due respect, I do not accept people saying it would cost more at Heathrow or another airport. It is not being built at Heathrow Airport.