A proposed noise budget for Dublin Airport could reduce aircraft noise by half by 2040.
The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority has revealed its draft response to the daa's request for evening flights on the new north runway, that will begin operating next year.
ANCA says it's taken into consideration complaints by local residents, and suggested a quota on the number of loud aircrafts that can operate at night.
ANCA’s recommendations are:
- Introduce a Noise Abatement Objective for Dublin Airport - the first of its kind in Ireland – as a long-term plan to ensure best management of aircraft noise at the Airport. This will serve to dramatically reduce the long-term impact of aircraft noise by 30% by 2030, 40% by 2035 and 50% by 2040, compared to 2019 aircraft noise levels.
- Make three new conditions:
- Noise Quota System – or noise budget - for night-time operations at Dublin Airport between 11pm and 7am; including a restriction on very loud aircraft flying at night.
- Restrict flights on the new north runway between midnight and 6am (00:00 – 05:59).
- Provide a new Residential Sound Insulation Grant Scheme of up to €20k for residents most affected by night-time noise from Dublin Airport and who have not previously availed of such a grant.
Ethna Felten, Director of ANCA said: "Our recommendations will bring Ireland into line with international best practice and help us to meet our objective to manage noise at Dublin Airport. Our recommendations focus on limiting and reducing the impacts of night-time aircraft noise in Dublin and will guide future decisions regarding aircraft noise management at Dublin Airport."
The public consultation will last for fourteen weeks and will inform ANCA’s final direction to the Planning Authority before it rules on daa’s application next year.