Mitigation Measures
We are conscious of the need to balance the requirements of operating an international airport that facilitates over 31 million passengers, with the needs of our local communities.
In this regard we meet regularly with different community groups
through our community support and sponsorship programme, and more formally with the Dublin Airport Environmental Working Group and the St. Margaret's Community Liaison Group.
We understand that aircraft noise is subjective and personal
to each individual. The level of aircraft noise is dependent on the type of aircraft and number of flights. While the number of flights at Dublin Airport has increased since the recession, new aircraft technology has resulted in substantial reductions
in aircraft noise from some of the aircraft using the airport.
A number of mitigation measures were proposed by Dublin Airport and/or conditioned by An Bord Pleanála as part of the 2007 planning permission for North Runway.
These measures are:
daa is complying in full with the condition attached to the planning permission for North Runway. Eligibility for inclusion in the insulation scheme associated with North Runway is based on the projected 2022 63dB LAeq, 16-hours contour - see map below (blue line). In establishing the scheme, daa has also undertaken to have regard to the noise contour submitted to An Bord Pleanala in 2007 which encompasses a larger area and extends the insulation scheme to more homes (green line).
A separate programme was launched in 2017 for those dwellings impacted by current operations at Dublin Airport. This new Home Sound Insulation Programme is available to dwellings that are located in the 2016 63dB LAeq, 16-hour noise contour. Dublin Airport has voluntarily implemented this new programme.
Dublin Airport’s insulation schemes compare favorably to those at other airports as all costs associated with the insulation works are being met by Dublin Airport. Some airports provide only replacement windows or secondary glazing, whilst others offer only partial grants towards works which residents then arrange to have undertaken themselves. Dublin Airport is taking responsibility for the full implementation of the insulation programmes, from initial survey through to quality assessment after installation works.
All eligible residents have been contacted directly and there has been an excellent response to the programme. Over 200 local residences are eligible for insulation under these schemes, representing over three times the number of houses Dublin Airport is conditioned to insulate under North Runway’s planning permission.
An voluntary insulation scheme is on offer for all schools and registered pre-schools which fall within the predicted 60dB LAeq, 16-hour contour. The scheme is designed so maximum noise limits within classrooms and school buildings do not exceed 45dB LAeq over 8 hours (a typical school day) after insulation measures are undertaken.
The following schools and pre-schools have been specified in the planning permission and have all been contacted in relation to the insulation scheme:
Following extensive engagement with eligible dwelling owners, their representatives, and the Planning Authority and its advisors, several significant enhancements were made to the draft Voluntary Dwelling Purchase Scheme, and it received approval in 2016. Eligibility for the Scheme is based on the predicted 69dB LAeq 16-hour contour. This is the noise threshold for participation in the voluntary scheme.
Although just five dwellings are located in this contour, daa has voluntarily extended participation in the Scheme to a further 33 residents, thus honouring earlier commitments and having regard to the contours used in the original planning application.
The Scheme is completely voluntary and places no obligation on any resident to participate. Offers to purchase will include a 30% premium on the current market value of the residence and these valuations will not be affected by North Runway.
Eligible homeowners can have their property independently valued at daa’s cost, and daa will also provide allowances in relation to conveyancing fees, stamp duty, tax advice and moving costs.
The Scheme will remain available for three years after North Runway is operational, and homeowners are also eligible to participate in the Voluntary Residential Noise Insulation Scheme.
This Voluntary Dwelling Purchase Scheme compares very favourably to those at other airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick in the UK.
Noise and flight track monitoring results will be used to re-evaluate noise impacts and the application of mitigation measures every two years.
Operating Conditions
Under North Runway’s current planning permission, there are two conditions associated with airport operations which, if implemented, will severely hamper the operational flexibility that currently pertains at Dublin Airport.
In December 2020, daa made a planning application to Fingal County Council to address these conditions in order to facilitate the future operational requirements of Dublin Airport. This application is particularly critical to re-building connectivity for Ireland’s island economy in a post-Covid and post-Brexit environment.
As part of that application, daa has proposed additional mitigation measures. This includes the introduction of a new night-time insulation grant scheme of €20,000 per eligible dwelling within the 55dB Lnight contour, in addition to dwellings in the 50dB Lnight contour which will experience a 9dB increase in 2022 compared with 2018. Up to 350 dwellings could benefit from this proposal.
However, the merits of this proposed scheme are subject to scrutiny and decision by Fingal County Council as the appointed Competent Authority with responsibility for regulating noise at Dublin Airport. This process is now underway. Click here to find out more.
