Written answers

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Dublin Airport Authority

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on engagements with DAA with regard to noise abatement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52877/23]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. These measures are designed to address long-term adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and quality of life, whilst also facilitating the sustainable development of the airport and the broader economy.

The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) which was established in 2019 is the independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport.

A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible.

A NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA in 2022 to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes. daa is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport.

On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport.

In addition to this, I understand that a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA. Through this process, ANCA will determine whether the change in noise impact at the airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or operating restrictions. The review which commenced in December 2022 is expected to conclude in the coming months.

My Department and I meet regularly with the management of Dublin Airport where we discuss a variety of issues, including noise abatement at the airport. I understand that Dublin Airport provides ANCA with data on complaints logged with its online complaints system "Webtrack" in an annual compliance report. daa recently informed my Department that to enhance tracking of aircraft using Dublin Airport, daa have added 18 new noise monitoring terminals (16 fixed and two mobile) to the existing system, with 8 further fixed and 1 mobile monitor scheduled to be installed over the coming months.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.