Aircraft Noise Legislation

The Aircraft Noise Regulation (EU) 598/2014 lays down rules on the process to be followed for the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions. This must be done in a consistent manner on an airport-by-airport basis to help improve the noise climate and to limit or reduce the number of people significantly affected by potentially harmful effects of aircraft noise. This should be done, in accordance with the Balanced Approach developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Balanced Approach to aircraft noise management developed by ICAO is an approach to managing noise at an airport. After identification of a noise problem at an airport, analysis of the various measures available to reduce noise through the exploration of four principal elements, namely, reduction at source, land use planning and management, noise abatement operational procedures and operating restrictions is carried out. The goal of this analysis is to address the noise problem in the most cost-effective manner.  Operating restrictions are not to be applied as a first resort but only after consideration of the other measures of the Balanced Approach.

The Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 gives further effect to the Aircraft Noise Regulation in Ireland by making additional provision for the regulation of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport. This legislation amends the Planning and Development Act 2000 to cater for the situation where development at Dublin Airport may give rise to an aircraft noise problem and to provide for the implementation and monitoring of noise mitigating measures.