Families living near Dublin Airport claim that their children’s sleep quality, educational potential, and overall well-being are being negatively impacted.
The airport operator, daa, is currently embroiled in a planning dispute regarding an application to increase the airport’s annual passenger cap from 32 million to 40 million.
St Margaret’s & The Ward Residents Association (SMTW) had requested an urgent meeting with daa’s board of directors to discuss flight paths for the North Runway, which began operating in August 2022.
The association made this request on behalf of the communities in Fingal and East Meath, seeking to discuss the current aircraft noise and operational flight paths associated with the runway.
In response to the meeting request, a daa spokesperson said: “As you are aware, our CEO and Board Director, Kenny Jacobs, already met with representatives from St Margaret’s, The Ward, and other communities on February 27 this year to discuss the issues you have raised.
“During that meeting, we committed to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the noise levels and operational impacts associated with the North Runway.
“We have been actively working on measures to mitigate the noise and are continuously engaging with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges.
“As you are aware, the North Runway operates within designated hours, between 7am and 11pm. It is only used for night-time operations when the South Runway is undergoing essential maintenance, typically for four nights, six times a year.
“The discussions and agreements made during the previous meeting are still in effect and are being diligently followed up on,” they added.
However, members of the residents’ group said that, as the follow-up meeting could not be arranged, they will now proceed with a peaceful demonstration at the airport roundabout from 3-5pm on Sunday, December 1.
They added that, regarding their community engagement with Mr Jacobs in February, “nothing productive” resulted from the meeting.
“It is unacceptable that our lives, our health, and our right to peace in our homes are being sacrificed for the protection of big business,” they said.
“It is unacceptable that daa does not appear to be subject to the same laws as every other Irish citizen.”
