Written answer
Aviation Industry
251. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the results of the flight paths review carried out by the DAA and AirNav (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52611/26]
Comment on this
Following engagement with the daa on the matter of flightpaths at Dublin Airport, I have been advised that given the ongoing regulatory and planning processes in track regarding Dublin Airport it is not daa’s intention to embark on a flightpath review at this time.
Under EU legislation, the operator of an airport, daa in the case of Dublin Airport, is responsible for the design and maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) which set flight paths into and out of an airport. Dublin airport, AirNav Ireland carries out the design and maintenance function on behalf of daa. The Irish Aviation Authority, as the civil aviation safety regulator in Ireland, has responsibility for ensuring that IFPs adhere to safety standards set out in national, EU and international regulations. Flight paths are also monitored for compliance with noise requirements by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority, in line with EU Regulation 598/2014 and the Aircraft Noise Act 2019.
Separately, monitoring compliance with planning permission conditions is matter for the relevant planning authority that granted those permissions, and enforcement of planning conditions is a matter for those authorities.
That said, at the recent second stage debate on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 in Dáil Éireann on the 23rd of June, and at subsequent debates on the Bill, I have committed to ensuring that an independent assessment of flightpaths at Dublin Airport will be undertaken at the appropriate time.
The most suitable point for this work will most likely be when a final decision is made regarding the North Runway Relevant Action. This timing will ensure that the assessment is based on the most accurate and current operational data, incorporating the latest noise modelling methodologies, and can support the identification of appropriate solutions.