In a draft decision last September, the commission had said it intended to cap at 13,000 the number of flights permitted to use Dublin Airport between 11pm and 7am. That would have represented a 60pc decrease on the current permitted use.
In the ruling issued today, however, An Coimisiún Pleanála has essentially given permission for the second runway at the airport to be used for more hours in the day, and allowed it to handle more flights.
Aircraft have not been allowed to use the runway between 11pm and 7am, but will now be permitted to do so between 6am and midnight.
The commission said that the airport will now be subject to a noise quota scheme, which means certain aircraft will not be able to use the runway at night, but agreed with revised calculations that an annual cap of 35,672 night-time aircraft movements at Dublin Airport “would be appropriate”.
It said that number will allow the airport to grow, “while providing an essential safeguard against excessive night-time activity”.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – July 17th
St Margarets The Ward (SMTW) residents group and local organisations, representing the voices of thousands of affected residents, have expressed “profound disappointment and despair” following An Coimisiún Pleanála’s approval of extended flight operations.
The group said the decision will inflict “severe hardship on communities that are already suffering from the impact of illegal flight paths over residential areas”.
Since the opening of the North Runway in August 2022, residents living under these flight paths said they have endured “daily torment from the relentless roar of jets over their homes”.
A spokesperson for SMTW residents, Liam O’ Gradaigh, said: “What makes this approval particularly egregious is that the flight paths could have been routed over uninhabited solar panel fields, which have been lying barren for over 20 years in anticipation of authorised flight paths. Instead, the decision intentionally subjects thousands of people to unnecessary noise and pollution, which could have been easily avoided.”
He added: “This is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct attack on our health and quality of life. The government and An Bord Pleanála have chosen to prioritise corporate interests over the well-being of their citizens. This decision is reckless, short-sighted, and harmful.”
The group warned that the repercussions extend beyond St Margaret’s and The Ward, saying areas like Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock will also face increased disruption. They cited long-term health concerns, including sleep deprivation-related illnesses and educational setbacks for children.
A spokesperson for SMTW and local FORUM called on all affected residents to join together in voicing their opposition, saying: “We will not stand by as our communities are subjected to further harm.”
The DAA, which operates Dublin Airport, welcomed the decision. “This unlocks more efficient utilisation of this vital national infrastructure which future-proofs Dublin Airport’s capacity to manage further passenger growth,” it said.
The DAA had sought to remove a numerical cap on the average number of flights permitted between 11pm and 7am. It wanted this replaced with an annual night-time quota, that would be applied between 11.30pm and 6am. Airlines including Ryanair had supported the move.
A move to a night-time quota had also been recommended by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) that operates under Fingal County Council.
In 2023, the council issued an enforcement notice against the DAA for breaching its night-time flight quota. That action was stayed, pending the outcome of the relevant action.
While the DAA said it is reviewing the detail of the ruling, it added that the move to manage noise through an annual quota aligns with international best practice and will support the uptake of newer, quieter aircraft.
DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs said the ruling “removes uncertainty for Dublin Airport and the airlines, as well as having a positive impact on jobs and investment in Ireland”.
However, he added the organisation is “disappointed that ACP imposed an annual cap of 35,672 night-time aircraft movements in addition to the annual noise quota”.
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