Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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661. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views in relation to requirements (details supplied) regarding aircraft noise; and his further views on whether a challenge before the European Court of Justice might be made and that such a challenge might be successful. [29748/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 was signed into law in May this year.  The main purpose of that Act is to manage noise at Dublin Airport and to give applicability to EU Regulation 598/2014. Regulation 598 sets out the rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise related operating restrictions at European Union Airports. 

The Act provides, for the first time, that noise generated by aircraft activity at Dublin Airport will be subject to extensive detailed assessment, on-going monitoring and to regular review.  It also respects existing planning and development and environmental laws and is underpinned by binding EU Regulations and Directives on environmental and aircraft noise. It further ensures that every time a planning application at Dublin Airport is considered the aircraft noise implications are considered also.

Fingal County Council has been designated as the independent noise regulator for Dublin Airport with An Bord Pleanála designated as the independent appeals body.

Fingal County Council is establishing a new, dedicated aircraft Noise Regulation Office within the executive branch, which will include the appropriate noise expertise.  The Office will be headed at a senior level by a Director of Services, with all of the appropriate arrangements to ensure decisions are taken fully in accordance with the law. 

All of the provisions of the Act have been subject to legal scrutiny by the Office of the Attorney General and have been examined in great detail by the Oireachtas.  I am fully satisfied that Fingal County Council meets the requirements set out in Regulation 598/2014 for a noise regulator.