Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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56. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if EU Regulation 598/2014 will be implemented here through primary legislation or statutory instrument, or both; and the likely timescale for same. [22104/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for her question on this significant piece of legislation.

The entry into force in June 2016 of EU Regulation 598/2014 represented a shift in responsibility from the airport operator to a separate, independent statutory entity or competent authority to oversee the delivery of the new, more prescriptive approach to aircraft noise management. Along with all other EU Member States, Ireland must give effect to this changed situation.

There are two key reforms in the planned implementation of this EU Regulation. Firstly, a dedicated, expert-focused competent authority in Ireland is being designated to take responsibility for consideration of all aircraft noise issues at Dublin Airport. While I acknowledge there is no one available body perfectly suited to fulfilling this function, the Irish Aviation Authority is considered to be best placed to perform this important regulatory role. This is particularly relevant to the on-going requirement for aircraft noise assessment at the airport. The second essential reform is to clarify the collaborative working and public consultation arrangements that have to be applied in this area. It is important that there is clarity about how the legitimate concerns of residents about aircraft noise at the airport will be taken into account.

Insofar as the question of primary legislation is concerned, deliberations are still ongoing with the Attorney General's Office regarding any elements that may necessitate primary legislation. I hope you can appreciate that until concrete clarification in this area is achieved, I cannot give absolute information at this stage. As you will now be keenly aware, officials in my Department are engaging in long and careful consideration of all advice from the Office of the Attorney General. The immediate focus remains on the completion of the Statutory Instrument and any further issues which may need to be clarified by way of primary legislation will follow in due course.