Minister O’Brien welcomes An Coimisiún Pleanála final decision on nighttime flights at Dublin Airport

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the final decision on the nighttime use of runways at Dublin Airport, published on 17 July by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Minister O’Brien said:
“I welcome the clarity this decision brings to permitted levels of nighttime air traffic operations at Dublin Airport. Maximising connectivity to and from Ireland is one of my priorities and one of the key commitments in the Programme for Government. 
Having met with local residents I am also very aware of their concerns. It is important that daa continue to act as a ‘good neighbour’ by engaging with neighbouring communities, particularly in relation to the noise insulation scheme and other matters of concern. 
This decision should enable daa to progress the planning applications which have been submitted to Fingal County Council. I encourage them to now move to respond to the requests for further information from the relevant authorities. This will facilitate the planning decisions necessary for sustainable development of the airport.”
Notes:
An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) set out conditions in the Decision which provide for:  

• a noise quota system for nighttime operations at the airport 
• an annual limit of 35,672 aircraft movements between 11pm and 7am – in effect, an average of 98 aircraft movements a night
• No use of the new north runway between midnight and 6am, except in exceptional specified circumstances
• An insulation scheme for eligible property owners.  

The decision of ACP provides an essential safeguard against excessive nighttime activity while allowing for airport growth. It also accommodates historic slots and future flexibility, ensuring that the regulatory framework remains balanced and proportionate.