James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was asked earlier where I got my information on decibel levels and the comparisons. As Senator Craughwell demonstrated, they are freely available on the Internet and they are used internationally by sound engineers and hearing companies here and in the UK. They were put together for this matter by environmental consultants in the UK.

We need this regulator quickly. We need it for the people in Fingal who are concerned about their health and well-being, particularly their hearing. We have discussed the issue and I accept what people say and share their concerns. I want to equally put on record my concern for the tens of thousands of jobs around Fingal and beyond that depend on the airport. I can understand why sometimes Senator Norris makes expressions of cynicism as to whether anybody listens to what we say in here, but they do. Investors listen in particular. A €1.6 billion investment will take place in Dublin Airport over the next number of years to bring passenger numbers up to over 40 million and heading towards 50 million. There will be development on the air side, with the possibility of 18,000 jobs. They will look to see that the airport is functioning and the airport will bring that investment from companies. It makes the country attractive as a stepping stone to Europe and in the other direction as well.

I accept that people have concerns but as the Minister has already pointed out, the process has been ongoing for quite some time and it has been well debated. Perhaps it has not been aired as much in this Seanad as others would like but we must balance that fact with the people who are feeling insecure about investments, jobs, livelihoods and living in Fingal, particularly at a time when Brexit is facing down the barrel of a gun at us. We must consider all that entails, no matter how good an outcome for the country, aside from a complete reversal.