Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We discussed this in some detail on Committee Stage. I agree with Deputy Clare Daly that the assumption must be positive. These amendments are based on striving for a balanced approach. We want to take into account the genuine concerns of residents while the airport develops and while we protect, enhance and grow jobs and livelihoods. As discussed previously, we are not saying that measures must be implemented immediately, although if they can be, they should. If mitigation measures require substantial works on campus, for example, the competent authority can authorise such works and determine that they must be completed within a certain period. Of course, some degree of flexibility would be allowed, as with the planning process generally, so that if something could not be completed, the relevant authority could come back and apply for a further extension. The legislation as it is written at the moment means that the competent authority could decide to defer the works, and in that way positive changes could be left in abeyance. The changes to the Bill are minor. We are all on the same page with regard to what we want the competent authority to do in terms of making sure that mitigation measures deemed necessary cannot just be deferred. This slight change in language makes a lot of sense. It makes the Bill more positive and more focused on balancing the needs of residents and neighbouring communities with the needs of the airport.

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