Families living near Dublin Airport claim their “children’s sleep quality, educational potential and overall well-being” is being impacted.
Airport operator daa is currently embroiled in a planning dispute over an application to lift Dublin Airport’s annual passenger cap from 32 to 40 million.
St Margaret’s The Ward Residents association requested an urgent meeting by the end of this week with the daa board of directors regarding flight paths for the North Runway, which began operating in August 2022.
They requested this on behalf of the communities in Fingal and East Meath to discuss the current aircraft noise and operational flight paths associated with the runway.
“The detrimental noise and air pollution we are exposed to on a daily basis has raised serious concerns regarding the health and safety of our communities,” the residents said.
“We believe a meeting is urgently needed, as the flight paths introduced in August 2022 and February 2023 have had an overwhelmingly negative daily impact on residents across Fingal and East Meath.
“We are being exposed to unacceptable levels of noise day and night. This is not based on subjectivity, but on measured noise against international standards.
Daa has applied to lift the annual passenger cap from 32 to 40 million. Pic: Collins
“The result is a negative impact on our children’s sleep quality, educational potential and overall well-being.
“Sleep and enjoyment of our homes and outdoor space is a fundamental human right which has been taken from us.
“In particular, since the opening of the north runway, the noise situation has worsened exponentially, with the concerns of the people ignored and disregarded,” they added.
The group explained how some residents have relocated due to the pollution issues in the area.
“There are some who have been driven from their homes due to the severity of the noise issue,” they said.
“We respectfully request confirmation that the Board of Directors would meet with our representatives to engage in a constructive mediation process.
“Our intention is not to disrupt Dublin Airport operations or the experience of travellers, but at this point we feel we have no choice but to begin regular demonstrations along the main airport access routes beginning on December 1.
“We are willing to pause this action if there is a commitment to solving this problem in a timely manner from the daa Board of Directors. We believe dialogue is the preferred path to a swift, amicable resolution.
“Therefore, we respectfully request a meeting to be scheduled by November 22.
“We do not take this course of action lightly, and we trust that the Board will appreciate the gravity of our concerns and prioritise this opportunity for dialogue.
“We hope you recognise the value in addressing this matter with urgency and goodwill.”
daa has been contacted by the Irish Independent for further comment.
