Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Craughwell on the votes which transpired today and the shameful stance from Fianna Fáil. I also agree that some of its Members’ faces will be reddened when they face communities in that area.

This goes beyond electoral politics, however. We are talking about children in their beds. Senator Norris outlined the instance of a young family. These are caregivers who are not getting the proper respite, sleep and rest they need. There are people whose working lives are being disrupted, who must get up early in the morning to contribute positively to the life of the State. I hope the residents send Fianna Fáil a message because it has sent the residents a message tonight through its shameful actions. Fianna Fáil does not give a damn about the residents’ health and well-being.

Like Senator Norris, I cannot understand why there could be any issues with amendment No. 21. I hope Members will support it, not least the Government Members and their colleagues in Fianna Fáil. It states “The competent authority shall direct the airport authority to ensure that average noise exposure at night is reduced below 40dB ..., such levels to be revised in accordance with WHO guidelines.” That provides an opening, wriggle room and an opportunity to revise and reassess these requirements should that be the case. That is the kind of space one must create for engagement with all of the key stakeholders, not least the residents affected. That is what the amendment seeks to do.

On a much lesser scale, I live a five-minute drive from Belfast City Airport. I know what it is like to have flights going over the top of one’s house late into the evening and early into the morning. I despair for the Dublin Airport residents facing the incomprehensible approach being taken to this legislation by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Not only are they in for more of the same but potentially they are in for worse if we do not get the opportunity to appropriately and adequately scrutinise this legislation, as well as amend it as necessary.