DAA must give more details on runway

The Dublin Airport Authority has been told by An Bord Pleanála that it must submit further details on its controversial plan …

The Dublin Airport Authority has been told by An Bord Pleanála that it must submit further details on its controversial plan for a second main runway at the airport.

Much of the additional information the board seeks relates to aircraft noise, which is the focus of objections by residents of Portmarnock and St Margaret's who would be under its flight path.

An Bord Pleanála has also directed the DAA to publish a revised newspaper advertisement and erect a new site notice making it clear that the plan would involve demolishing an existing runway.

The DAA was also advised to consult the Environmental Protection Agency on whether it would require an integrated pollution control licence for the relocation of the engines testing area.

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The board said it was "of the opinion that certain information is necessary for the purpose of enabling it to determine the appeal". It gave the DAA a deadline of March 5th. If the required information is not received by then, the board told the DAA it "will dismiss or otherwise determine the appeal without further notice to you", under the 2000 Planning Act.

The board wants further details on noise contours around the airport, future noise exposure - particularly from night-time flights - as well as aircraft landings, population statistics and the impact on local schools.

It has also told the DAA that it may reopen the oral hearing on the second runway plan following receipt of the further information requested. A decision is not now expected before July.

Frank McDonald

Frank McDonald

Frank McDonald, a contributor to The Irish Times, is the newspaper's former environment editor