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DAA to request changes to runway planning conditions

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

OUTRAGED Northside residents have slammed the Dublin Airport Authority’s (DAA) moves to have planning conditions on the controversial new runway changed.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the development last year subject to 31 strict conditions.
However, the DAA now plans to apply for a change to two of the conditions which restrict the number of flights using the runway between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
The DAA says the conditions would cause delays and inconvenience for airlines and passengers between 6-7am, which is the busiest hour for departures, and from 11pm-midnight, one of the busiest arrival hours.
But according to Adrienne McDonnell of the St Margaret’s Concerned Residents’ Group, the appeal is an insult to locals and to the planning process.
“Those regulations were set down to give us some noise-free hours in which to sleep,” she told Northside People.
“We know that the An Bord Pleanála conditions put a major spanner in the works for the DAA but it should respect the ruling.”
Ms McDonnell questioned how the DAA could appeal the planning board’s decisions.
“There is a reason why those conditions were set down,” she continued.
“It would be absolutely detrimental for us if these conditions were scrapped.
“We would be extremely angry and disappointed if An Bord Pleanála entertained this appeal which goes against the transparency of the planning process.”
According to the DAA conditions three and five would “significantly reduce its operational capacity at peak travel periods and cause delays and inconvenience for airlines and passengers.”
Condition five stipulates that the average number of overall night-time landings and take offs at the airport should not exceed 65.
However, the current number of night-time flights from the airport is 72. The DAA argues that An Bord Pleanála’s condition would affect the airport’s current schedules and future capacity for the new runway.
“The number of departing aircraft during 6am and 7am has doubled since 2003, consequently this busy hour is already over-subscribed in terms of slot allocation,” a DAA spokesperson said.
“Since our initial planning application in 2003 the two biggest airlines at Dublin Airport have collectively added more than 110 new routes and services including 70 new routes and services since 2006.
“Not only would these planning conditions restrict flights at the airport below current levels, it also has the potential consequence that existing slots could be withdrawn from many operators.”
Robert Hilliard, director of Dublin Airport, clarified the DAA position even further.
“The delivery of a new parallel runway is of national importance to the economy of the island of Ireland,” he stated.
“While the DAA is conscious of the concerns of some of Dublin Airport's neighbouring communities, it also needs to ensure that it maintains an appropriate balance in meeting the operating requirements of our airlines and passengers.
“Once an Environmental Impact Statement has been compiled the DAA will arrange for copies to be made available to interested parties.”
It is understood that An Bord Pleanála will now assess the DAA's pre-application submission under the Strategic Infrastructure Act to establish how the request for changing the conditions should be handled.
The Chambers Ireland Transport Users’ Council also argued that the planning conditions imposed on the DAA would directly affect business travellers.
“Ireland’s time zone is one hour behind that of mainland Europe, so any provision which has the potential to impede the departure time of business flights to Europe will directly shorten the working day of Irish executives and aviation transport users seeking to build business opportunities on the continent,” a spokesperson said.
“Accordingly, we support the application by the DAA for a modification.”

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