The new North Runway, designated 10L/28R, and associated facilities costing €320m were delivered on schedule and on budget by Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) at no cost to the State. The new North runway, located on DAA land 1.69 kilometres north of Dublin Airport’s existing South Runway, hopes to create 31,200 new jobs and €2.2 billion in additional economic revenue. The development of North Runway however has been controversial and has been part of Dublin Airport’s long-term strategic planning and land use prioritisation going far back to the 1960s.
The planning process for the new runway at Dublin Airport has been a complex and controversial issue. The project, known as the North Runway, has faced numerous delays and obstacles over the years. The construction of the runway began in 2016 and is 3,110 meters long and 60 meters wide. It handles larger aircraft and increases Dublin Airport’s capacity.
One of the main planning issues has been concerns about the environmental impact of the new runway. The proposed site for the runway is located close to the River Tolka and the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. There have been concerns that the construction of the runway could damage these sensitive ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity.
Another major issue has been the impact of the new runway on local communities. The proposed site for the runway is located close to several residential areas, and there have been concerns about noise pollution, air pollution, and the potential displacement of local residents. There have also been concerns about the safety of the new runway, particularly in relation to the proximity of the runway to existing residential areas.
The planning process for the new runway has been subject to numerous legal challenges and appeals, which have further delayed the project. In 2012, the Irish government granted planning permission for the new runway, but this decision was challenged in the courts by local residents and environmental groups. The case was eventually dismissed, but it has taken several years for the legal process to be completed.
Despite these challenges, the new runway at Dublin Airport was completed in 2022. The new runway will significantly increase the capacity of the airport and is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the region. However, the planning process for the runway has highlighted the need for careful consideration of the environmental and social impacts of major infrastructure projects.
Noise pollution has been a significant concern associated with the North Runway at Dublin Airport. The new runway is located close to several residential areas, and there have been concerns about the impact of increased air traffic on the local community. The Dublin Airport Authority has carried out a number of studies to assess the potential impact of the new runway on noise levels, and has implemented a number of measures to mitigate the impact of noise pollution.
The DAA has introduced a number of noise reduction measures, including the use of quieter aircraft, the implementation of noise restrictions during night-time hours, and the establishment of a noise insulation scheme for local residents. The DAA has also established a noise monitoring system to monitor noise levels around the airport and to ensure that the noise reduction measures are effective.
However, despite these measures, there are still concerns about the impact of the new runway on noise pollution. Some local residents have reported increased noise levels since the construction of the runway began, and there have been calls for further action to be taken to reduce the impact of noise pollution on the local community.
It is important to note that noise pollution is a common issue associated with airports, and the DAA has taken steps to address this issue in the planning and construction of the North Runway. However, the impact of noise pollution on local communities is an ongoing concern, and it is important for the DAA to continue to monitor and address this issue as the new runway becomes operational.
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