Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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324. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure that full compliance by the DAA will be adhered to with north runway planning conditions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45461/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I want to begin by assuring the Deputy that it is important to this 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.

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. It is important that such robust engagement continues to take place. I and my officials meet regularly with the daa and the Irish Aviation Authority, and in recent months I commenced a process of engagement with key stakeholders, on a range of issues in relation to Dublin Airport, including the matter of aircraft noise.

It is important to note that the daa has statutory responsibility for the management, development and operation of Dublin Airport, including matters related to planning and the operation of flight paths at the airport. Neither I, nor my Department has any role in this process.

I believe that it is essential that daa continues to engage with neighbouring communities in relation to the issue of aircraft noise, and that the daa should continue to operate under a good neighbour policy.

I welcome the clarity that the final decision published on 17 July by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) brings in relation to nighttime air traffic operations at Dublin Airport. ACP considers that the Decision provides an essential safeguard against excessive nighttime activity while allowing for airport growth. In particular, I note the conditions set out in the decision which provide for:

• A noise quota system for night-time operations at the airport;
• an annual limit of 35,672 aircraft movements between 11pm and 7am – in effect an average of 98 aircraft movements a night;
• no use of the new north runway between midnight and 6am except in exceptional specified circumstances; and
• an insulation scheme for eligible property owners.