Dublin Airport’s protest: Residents have been protesting over flight noise amid plans for a capacity expansion at the airport.
A number of residents have claimed another Christmas will be ‘ruined’ for them on account of noise from Dublin Airport.
DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs met members of Fingal County Council earlier this evening as protesters gathered. And chanted outside the local authority offices.
Mr Jacobs previously told Newstalk that a planning cap on Dublin Airport of 32 million passengers is around access to the airport itself.
Mr Jacobs Opinion
He said that that’s a restriction that goes back to 2008 and that’s based on surface access to Dublin Airport. So the amount of vehicles coming to it.
That’s a planning restriction… they’ve been trying to change it since 2008. But a few things have gotten in the way.
That was delayed with the 2008 financial crisis, then they had the COVID pandemic.
Mr Jacobs said once a new cap is approved. It would will allow the airport to grow beyond 40 million in the coming decade.
One man at the protest told reporter Josh Crosbie for The Hard Shoulder he. And his family can’t sleep because of the noise of the planes.
He said that this time last year they ruined our Christmas.
The noise levels now are disgraceful. He was awakened at 4.30 this morning and then it really started at 7 o’clock.
During the summer they couldn’t stay in our back gardens, they couldn’t have a conversation in the back garden.
If a neighbour from hell moved in beside me he’d be arrested.
No matter how many times you ring to complain you get no reply; they just get an answering machine.
Asked if he availed of grants for noise reduction from the DAA of up to €20,000, he replied: “Oh no, it’s never been discussed.
“I don’t want money or anything like that, I just want peace and quiet – I want my sleep back”.
“The noise levels now are disgraceful. I was awakened at 4.30 this morning and then it really started at 7 o’clock.
“During the summer we couldn’t stay in our back gardens, we couldn’t have a conversation in the back garden.
“If a neighbour from hell moved in beside me he’d be arrested.
“No matter how many times you ring to complain you get no reply; you just get an answering machine”.
Asked if he availed of grants for noise reduction from the DAA of up to €20,000, he replied: “Oh no, it’s never been discussed.
He don’t want money or anything like that, he just want peace and quiet – he want my sleep back”.
DAA Group Head of Communications Kevin Cullinane has said growing the airport is crucial.
“Dublin Airport is a key economic driver of the national economy. As Ireland’s national airport and the primary gateway to the world.
Welcoming the majority of international passengers, facilitating 30% of Ireland’s exports by value. And contributing €9.6 billion in Gross Value Added to the Irish economy,” he said.
“Dublin Airport as a major employer in Fingal accounts for almost 20,000 direct jobs. And has hired an additional 1,000 people in support of airport operations this year.
“Population growth alone means Dublin Airport will need to be able to grow beyond 32 million passengers over the next 15 years.
The current maximum cap placed on the number of passengers allowed to pass through the doors of the two terminals each year.
“The continued sustainable development of the airport to meet this growing demand will be crucial. To facilitating the level of growth in tourism, trade, investment. And jobs that’s recognised and required by government policy,” he added.
Mr Cullinane said there will also be improvements to airport infrastructure.
These include an expansion of both the north and south aprons, improved airport access and parking facilities. As well as road network upgrades.
There will also be more frequent and quicker access for buses to Dublin city centre and around the country.
The public will have an opportunity to have their say on the application through the Fingal County Council website when the five-week observation period begins. Which will likely be from early January.
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