Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. Amendment No. 12, tabled by Deputy Munster, is similar to the amendment tabled by Deputy Clare Daly and others. This is an amendment replacing Fingal County Council with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Fingal County Council is not an appropriate authority to carry out this function. It was chosen in a hurry because the Minister left it too late to bring in a competent authority for noise regulation. The deadline was therefore missed when the Minister realised that the Irish Aviation Authority was not going to be permitted to carry out the function because it failed the independence tests. It is a little surprising that Fingal County Council passed the independence tests, as it is paid rates by the airport. We should be moving away from the practice of having bodies regulate entities they rely upon for their income.

It is the same with the Irish Aviation Authority and safety regulation, although apparently legislation is due which will break up the IAA for that very reason. If it is not appropriate in the case of the IAA and civil aviation regulation, why should it be allowed in the case of Fingal County Council and the regulation of noise? Neither the CAR nor Fingal County Council have the relevant experience as of now. The CAR is going to be taking up an additional function in the regulation of civil aviation. It makes perfect sense that it would also regulate noise. It does not inspire confidence that Fingal County Council would be the regulator. It is not transparent or appropriate. It is clear that this was a rushed job because the Minister missed the deadline set by the EU. I am urging Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members of the committee to reconsider this and to vote with myself and others who have submitted amendments calling for the CAR to be the competent authority. Local residents have expressed opposition to Fingal County Council becoming the regulator. These people's lives will be affected by the decisions taken. It is important that the regulator has the confidence of all stakeholders. Local residents feel that they have been left out of this entire process. We need to ensure that their very valid concerns are listened to.

There is also the matter of the conditions attached to planning permission for the new runway at the airport. Residents are concerned that Fingal County Council might remove current flight restrictions. Fingal County Council is paid by the airport and is the local authority also, which means that there are concerns around independence.

I urge the Minister, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to seriously consider changing the regulator. If we are to do this, we should do it properly.

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