Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----which encapsulates responsibilities relating to noise caused by conurbations and major transport infrastructures, including roads, railways and airports. In addition, having regard to its planning functions, it has considerable experience and expertise in the conduct of environmental impact assessments, EIAs, and in managing extensive public consultations. There are, therefore, synergies arising from the assignment of this additional role.

On the issue of whether Fingal County Council is conflicted, I am aware that concerns have been raised around the designation of Fingal County Council as the competent authority and whether it is independent given the rates it receives from the DAA. Following close examination of the figures, it is my understanding that the DAA rate of demand for 2018 is approximately 15% of the total rates levied by Fingal County Council and represents approximately 8% of the council's overall budgeted income. Therefore, I do not accept the claim that Fingal County Council is unduly beholden to the DAA for its income. Further, the council will be provided with the appropriate resources to undertake the additional role.

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