Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasoning for his decision to appoint Fingal County Council as the competent authority in relation to the implementation of EU Regulation 5981/4; the way in which the local authority will play that role in Shannon, Cork and all the other regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14316/18]

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

Once it was clear that the option of designating the Irish Aviation Authority as the competent authority was no longer available, the decision was taken - following extensive discussions - that Fingal County Council was best suited to undertake the role.  Fingal County Council already has responsibilities under the EU Environmental Noise Directive which encapsulates responsibilities relating to noise caused by conurbations and major transport infrastructures, including roads, railways and airports.  In addition, having regard to its planning functions, it has considerable experience and expertise in the conduct of environmental impact assessments, appropriate assessments and in managing extensive public consultations.  There are therefore considerable synergies arising from the assignment of this additional role. 

As regards how this may affect airports other than Dublin, EU Regulation 598/2014 only applies to airports with more than 50,000 civil aircraft movements per calendar year, and so it only applies to Dublin Airport for now, and for the far foreseeable future.   

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 has commenced in my Department.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the senior management person or persons designated by the DAA to act as community liaison representatives in view of substantial changes to the management team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/18]

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

I assume that the context of this question relates to the North Runway project at Dublin Airport, which is the responsibility of the daa.

The duties assigned to members of the senior management team at daa in relation to this project are a matter for the company, and as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have no function in this matter.

However, in order to be of assistance, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to daa for attention and direct reply.  If you do not hear from daa within 10 working days, please contact my private office.