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Date: 24th August 2024

 

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the opening of the North Runway at Dublin Airport. On this day in 2022, local communities surrounding Dublin Airport immediately recognized that something was wrong. Despite the approval of specific plans by An Bord Pleanála in 2007, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) continues to operate under an unapproved and illegal flight path that deviates from the original sanctioned routes.

 

This unauthorized flight path is not in compliance with the permissions granted by An Bord Pleanála, and it has caused significant disruption to the residents of Fingal and Meath. The communities in these areas remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that the North Runway operates according to the planning permission that was legally granted.

 

In addition to the flight path deviations, the DAA has repeatedly breached restrictions on night-time flights, which were put in place to safeguard the health of local residents. The permitted number of night flights has been exceeded regularly, with the airport frequently operating almost double the allowed number. This blatant disregard for restrictions poses serious risks to the well-being of those living under the flight paths.

 

Fingal County Council took enforcement action against these night flight breaches in August 2023, yet over a year later, the DAA continues to flout these restrictions with impunity. Residents are extremely frustrated by this ongoing situation, especially given that similar enforcement has not been taken against the illegal flight paths. Despite Fingal County Council investigating this issue for two years, no decisive action has been taken. This delay is unacceptable to the residents who are impacted daily without any mitigation.

 

Furthermore, the DAA is in violation of the 32 million passenger cap that was established to manage the environmental and infrastructural impact of the airport's operations. In 2023, nearly 33.5 million passengers passed through Dublin Airport, a clear breach of the agreed limits.

 

In a show of solidarity with affected residents, Fingal County Councillors recently voted to increase protections for local communities by amending the Fingal Development Plan. These measures were designed to safeguard residents from the adverse impacts of the North Runway's operations. However, in a disappointing turn of events, both the DAA and the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) have conspired to have these crucial protections removed. This action undermines the democratic will of the elected councillors and further exacerbates the hardships faced by residents.

 

In response, SMTW Forum, in collaboration with Friends of the Irish Environment, has lodged legal proceedings challenging the decision to strip these protections from the Fingal Development Plan. A judicial review is scheduled for a hearing in September 2024, where we will argue for the reinstatement of these vital measures to protect our communities from excessive aircraft noise and other adverse effects.

 

We encourage those who share our concerns to support this legal action. Donations to help cover legal costs can be made at GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/jr-to-retain-aircraft-noise-insulation-provision). Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring that the North Runway operates within the bounds of the law and that our communities are protected as intended.

 

We, the SMTW Forum, are determined to continue our fight against the DAA’s non-compliance and the erosion of our community protections. Our goal is to protect our communities and ensure that the authorities respect the regulations that were put in place to safeguard our environment and well-being.

 

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our community members and allies in this effort. Together, we will ensure that the North Runway adheres to the correct and approved flight paths and that residents receive the protection they deserve.

 

SMTW FORUM 

 

**Contact Information:**  

SMTW FORUM  

Email: smtw.forum@gmail.com  

Website: www.WrongWayDAA.com