Dublin Airport Noise Authority Proposes Looser Home Insulation Eligibility Amid Expansion Plans
Dublin Airport's noise authority proposes expanding home insulation eligibility for residents as part of plans to increase passenger capacity. While locals welcome insulation, they worry about changes to noise abatement targets. The airport operator has invested significantly in mitigation, aiming for greater resident protection despite challenging new targets.
The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) at Dublin Airport is proposing to expand eligibility for home insulation for residents affected by aircraft noise. This initiative is part of a planning application to increase the airport's annual passenger cap from 32 million to 40 million, a proposal currently under consideration by Fingal County Council.
ANCA Director Ethna Felten stated the proposed scheme would benefit more people, considering a 24-hour noise period and aiming to reduce indoor noise by five decibels, which is estimated to cost up to €40,000 per home. Public consultation on these measures began today and will run for 14 weeks.
Local residents, represented by Niamh Maher of St Margaret's The Ward Resident Association, welcome improved insulation but express concern over proposed changes to ANCA’s Noise Abatement Objective (NAO). Maher highlighted that previous NAO targets, such as affecting approximately 1,500 people with over 55 decibels of night noise, were not met, with 2024 figures showing over 6,700 people affected. She emphasized the importance of maintaining and enforcing these protective targets.
Felten acknowledged that the revised NAO targets, set in 2022 and updated with post-2019 data including the North Runway opening and post-Covid traffic, are more challenging for the airport but are designed to offer greater resident protection. Daa, the airport operator, has invested over €25 million in acoustic insulation for more than 200 homes and five schools, and is preparing a new €30,000 grant scheme for over 1,000 additional homes. Daa also offers a Voluntary Dwelling Purchase Scheme with a 30% premium above market value, calling its mitigation package one of Europe's most resident-focused.