Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 48:

In page 10, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following:“(c) the likely effect of the identified noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions (if any) is thoroughly evaluated in relation to its projected impact on the well-being and health of local residents;”.

Amendment No. 48 would ensure the inclusion of the well-being and health of local residents in decision-making on noise at the airport. Amendment No. 53 ensures that the onus is on the authority to report on the effect its decision had on local residents and how their requirements were taken into consideration. From the start, local residents felt completely left out of the process and have legitimate concerns about the planning issues. These amendments encourage consultation with local residents. Trust in the noise regulator and other related authorities has taken a battering and there are serious concerns about retrospective changes to planning for flights and other developments at the airport. That is the main fear of residents with regard to retrospective changes that will be made hereafter. The health of local residents is being put at risk and it is imperative that consultation takes places with them and that their health and wishes are taken on board by the competent authority, An Bord Pleanála and the airport. The amendment will provide for that input from residents and I hope that other Members will support it.

I understand that the Department and its lawyers are saying that health is covered by EU regulations and it is not required to include it again. The Minister said that including it in legislation would somehow give it precedence over other matters but at the end of the day, it is entirely appropriate for health to be given that precedence. The health of people in the vicinity of the airport is given precedence. We should ensure that human health is a priority in the legislation, given all of the concerns about residents. I believe this amendment would achieve that.

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