Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the daa has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport. I have made no proposals to the daa on airport charges, as the setting of such charges at Dublin Airport, within the regulatory framework established by statute, is an operational matter for the daa.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation, CAR, regulates airport charges levied at Dublin Airport. CAR's determinations on airport charges take the form of price cap regulation, whereby a maximum average charge per passenger is established. Within the limits of the overall price cap, the daa sets variable annual charges in respect of specific services such as runway landing and take-off and aircraft parking.

The daa has informed my officials that discounts for departures in the 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. period have recently been introduced. Deputy Daly is correct. The early morning discounts were initiated as a direct result of the capacity shortages currently being experienced at the airport. The move is designed to maximise efficiencies of the existing runway infrastructure, a stated action for all airports, as set out in the national aviation policy published by my Department in 2015.

As the Deputy knows, I recently announced my intention to designate the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, pursuant to EU Regulation 598/2014, to undertake the process to be followed when considering the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. The implementing legislation, currently in preparation by my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, will require the IAA to undertake a review of the noise situation at Dublin Airport immediately following commencement of this legislation. As part of this review, the legislation will require the IAA to consult all key stakeholders, including environmental authorities, local residents and business interests, prior to making any decision on operating restrictions at the airport.

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