Solution in plane sight for aircraft noise disturbance in south Meath

A GROUP of engineers and pilots from the Ashbourne/south Meath area say the have a solution to the major problems with aircraft noise endured by residents of Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin.

The North Runway Technical Group says it is not against the expansion of Dublin Airport, but is concerned about the current noise levels over residential areas.

The group says there is a simple solution to the problem which sees aircraft showering Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Ratoath with noise, sometimes up to 90 decibels.

They say that deviating from the missed approach track for planes landing on the south runway, would mean departing aircraft would not need to fly low over south Meath outside the permitted noise zone, which breaches the Environmental Impact Statement which formed part of the new north runway's planning permission.

Since the opening of the north runway at Dublin Airport in 2022 there has been huge anger in north Dublin and south Meath at the noise levels of aircraft over homes not inside the permitted noise boundary.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) submitted a planning application last December seeking 15-year planning permission for 11 new infrastructure projects at the airport and the surrounding area, as well as an increase of capacity from 32 million passengers annually to 40 million.

Gareth O'Brien of the North Runway Technical Group explains that instead of flying straight ahead over fields and solar farms when taking off from the north runway, aircraft are now told to take a sharp 30 degree turn at the end of the runway which brings them out of the permitted noise zone.

"The original plan was that aircraft would take off from the north runway and fly straight ahead over the fields and solar farms for five nautical miles. By that time, they have risen to 3,000 feet and can turn towards their destination."

He explains that at that height there would be little disturbance on the ground.

"Instead, they are told to turn right at 650 feet above sea level, which is only about 400 feet off the ground. This brings them outside the permitted noise zone and they fly at low altitude over Kilcoscan school, they pass east of Ashbourne and directly over Ratoath, then over Dunshaughlin, showering them with noise."

He explains the reason this is happening is because of protocols put in place at Dublin Airport for what is known as a ‘missed approach’.

"This is when an aircraft cannot land because of poor visibility, wind or turbulence and has to go round and make the approach again.

"International rules for parallel runways say there must be a 30 degree course deviation between the departing aircraft and the missed approach track for the landing aircraft. Virtually all other airports with parallel runways deviate the landing runways missed approach, but Dublin Airport chose to deviate the departure track of the north runway.

"At no time has the Dublin Airport Authority said they cannot deviate the missed approach track, just that it would be very complex," he said.

"Missed approaches happen about 300 times a year and take place during stormy weather when people are usually indoors with windows closed. There are departures over Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin all day every day."

"A very simple fix would be the deviation of the missed approach track, which would mean the departing aircraft could stick to the original plan."

Cllr Alan Tobin is a member of the North Runway Technical Group. He says while he is supportive of the expansion of airport, the current noise situation over the south Meath towns is causing huge problems for local residents, but could be avoided.

"I know of one patient with dementia who is affected so badly he has to be sedated and it is having a dreadful impact on children with autism.

"In the summertime, when people have their windows open it particularly bad," he said.

Meanwhile Meath Co Council has said it supports the expansion and development of Dublin Airport.

In a submission to Fingal County Council, the Meath local authority recognised the essential role and function of Dublin Airport as the "international gateway" to the country and acknowledged the economic and social benefits that the airport brings to Meath. "In this regard, the council fully supports the safe and efficient development and operation of Dublin Airport."

The submission also noted: "Any decision by Fingal County Council should ensure that the amenity of residents within the approved flight paths in Co Meath are appropriately considered and protected from any potential adverse impacts."

Cllr Joe Bonner said he was disappointed with the council's submission.

"The council saying it is in favour of the increase in capacity to 40 million is a slap in the teeth for the people who already have to put up with the noise pollution from aircraft flying overhead.

"As it is, the current operation of the airport is in breach of planning laws," he said.