Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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534. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has satisfied himself that, further to the appointment of Fingal County Council as the new independent airport noise regulator for Dublin airport in accordance with EU Regulation 598/2014, this does not create a conflict of interest in so far as the fact that DAA is the single largest source of rate revenue for Fingal County Council; the steps he has taken to address this potential conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government has recently approved a proposal to designate Fingal County Council as the noise regulator for Dublin Airport in order that Ireland complies with EU Regulation 598/2014.  The full details of how the Regulation will be implemented, including the role and responsibilities of Fingal County Council, will be set out in primary legislation, the drafting of which Government has mandated my Department to commence immediately.

Assuming such legislation is enacted, Fingal’s role will therefore be underpinned by primary legislation.

It is, however, unfair to suggest that local authorities would have a conflict of interest between their statutory regulatory environmental protection and enforcement responsibilities and wider economic and physical development roles. Local authorities already have a wide range of statutory-based regulatory and enforcement functions in relation to environmental quality, planning, enforcement and other areas which necessarily must sit alongside their rateable income and property tax collection functions.  It is clear to me that the proposal in relation to the implementation of Regulation 598 is both wholly aligned with that long established multi-functional role played by all local authorities and, moreover, it will also be subject to an independent appeals process.