asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the re-routing of Aer Lingus planes to pass over Dublin City has caused much anxiety to children and parents, and if he will state the reason for the re-routing; further, what steps, if any, have been, or are being, taken to ensure that planes crossing over or near the city abide by the regulations as regards height, excessive noise, disturbance, etc.

The re-routing of Aer Lingus aircraft on certain services to and from Great Britain was agreed with the British aviation authorities for navigational reasons and came into operation in June, 1955. I am aware that following the re-routing there were some complaints from members of the public resident in parts of the city over which the aircraft had not previously been routed. There are statutory regulations as regards minimum flying altitudes with which the pilots using Dublin Airport comply. The noise of aircraft cannot be controlled by regulation but I do not think there are any reasonable grounds for complaint on this score. I think people have by now become quite accustomed to the sound. In any case it is unavoidable.