Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that will be taken to address the significant increase in aircraft noise over Howth (details supplied); and the steps being implemented to ensure residents are informed and any potential impacts on wildlife are mitigated. [23153/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism interests. The Programme for Government includes a strong commitment to work with stakeholders to ensure relevant agencies engage effectively with all communities impacted by noise, flight movements and airport operations.

I want to assure the Deputy that I meet regularly with the CEOs of daa and the Irish Aviation Authority, and I have commenced a process of engagement with key stakeholders on a range of issues in relation to Dublin Airport, which will include a meeting with some affected residents later this month as part of this process.

Furthermore, I understand that the daa, which has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, has a dedicated Community Engagement Team which is tasked with communicating through several channels with local residents impacted by airport operations.

Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is the independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport. In their role as noise regulator, ANCA previously defined a Noise Abatement Objective (NAO), a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment, for Dublin Airport. This is effectively a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible. On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport.

Additionally, I understand that a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA. Through this process, ANCA will evaluate whether the noise impact at Dublin Airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or possible operating restrictions. It is my intention to meet with ANCA shortly to discuss the issue of airport noise.