Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

174. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns of residents in Dún Laoghaire and Glasthule (details supplied); if the provision of aircraft noise monitoring stations will be considered at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49922/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. 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.

As the Deputy will be aware, noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. In its role as noise regulator, the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (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.

daa is responsible for implementing and maintaining noise measuring systems in the communities around Dublin airport.

In 2022, ANCA issued a direction to daa to increase the number of permanent monitors from seven to twenty-three. This programme was completed in 2024. An additional direction by ANCA provided for two mobile monitors that can be rotated through communities that do not have a permanent unit. Requests for inclusion in the rotation of mobile monitors or consideration for any future programme of permanent monitors may be made to the daa.