James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the deputy is aware daa has statutory responsibility for the management, operation, and development of Dublin Airport. I can advise the deputy that officials from my Department and I meet with daa on a regular basis to discuss matters at the airport.

In relation to flight paths, daa have advised my Department that following their appearance at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in June, ongoing correspondence has been maintained with the Cathaoirleach, Deputy Farrell. On 12 July, daa Chairperson, Basil Geoghegan, responded to a letter from Deputy Farrell, and this was followed by a meeting on 26 September. Additionally, I am aware that correspondence regarding flight paths has been sent to Deputy Farrell from Dublin Airport’s Managing Director, Gary McLean.

daa advise my Department that they have received proposals from various groups in both north Dublin and east Meath with respect to moving flight paths away from their communities. In engagements with my Department and at the Joint Oireachtas Committee in June, daa highlighted that there are a wide range of factors that must be considered in the design of flight paths, and proposals from local groups, which may run contrary to each other, need to be considered in a structured and coherent manner and not in isolation. daa advise that they have engaged in discussions with other airports who have undertaken reviews to understand these issues in greater detail.

However, safety is paramount, which is why engagement needs to also involve airlines and the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of passengers. daa is engaging with the relevant agencies to understand the process that will need to be undertaken, taking into account all of the perspectives. This includes considering whether moving the noise elsewhere would yield a benefit in terms of noise reduction for the general population. daa advise it is their intention to keep the public updated as they move forward. However, given the complexities as outlined, it will take time to implement a robust process, review options and deliver an outcome.