Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I think it is unfair, or most unusual, of the Deputy to suggest that a local authority is conflicted in its role with regard to its statutory environmental protection and enforcement responsibilities and wider economic and physical development roles. As the Deputy knows, local authorities already have a wide range of statutorily based regulatory and enforcement functions relating to environmental quality, planning enforcement and other areas which necessarily sit alongside their rateable income and property tax collection functions. This is how local authorities operate. Assigning Fingal County Council as the airport noise regulator is wholly aligned with that very long-established multifunctional role played by all local authorities. Importantly, it will also be subject to independent appeal. We must not forget that it will not be acting completely on its own. An Bord Pleanála will be sitting there to hear appeals in all cases of noise regulation and it cannot be considered to have a conflict of interest. I understand the Deputy's point of view. I know that whoever we appoint will come under scrutiny, particularly from the lawyers. Obviously, the IAA came across legal problems. I know that this one will rightly come under scrutiny from Deputies and other Members. This is why we have involved and will involve Deputies in as wide an engagement as possible on this and why we will do everything to ensure that their wishes are listened to and indeed adhered to and consented to by the Government so that we get the best possible result.

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