Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No 1.

As I stated, officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in order to finalise the details relating to the statutory instrument which will transpose EU Regulation 598/2014.  While I fully recognise and regret that the legislative requirements to give full effect to Regulation 598 have been delayed, I want to reassure the Deputy that the reason for the delay is to ensure that the introduction of the new noise regulatory regime is robust and fit for purpose.  The timing and extent of the primary legislation required will be guided by the advice received from the Attorney General's Office.

However, my current priority is to appoint the IAA as Competent Authority for noise management at Dublin Airport by way of the Statutory Instrument.  In that context, I can assure the Deputy that the draft Statutory Instrument is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to sign off on this important piece of legislation in the coming weeks.