Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is, understandably, a significant issue for some of
our neighbouring communities. Achieving the most appropriate balance between the needs of a growing
airport that serves as a major transport hub for millions
of business and leisure travellers, and the rights and requirements of our nearest residential neighbours
provides an ongoing challenge for Dublin Airport as it does for all airports of its
size.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has endorsed the EU
Directive 2002/30/EC concept of a ''balanced approach'' to aircraft noise
management. This approach incorporates four key elements to the mitigation of
noise levels at airports.
These are:
- The reduction of noise at source (quieter aircraft)
- Use planning and management
- Noise abatement operational procedures
- Operating restrictions
Aircraft noise is measured in decibels or dB for short. Modern subsonic jets
are about 30 dB quieter than their first generation, similar sized counterparts.
As a sound reduction of 10 dB is roughly equal to a halving of noise volume
perceived, this technological development represents about a 90% reduction in
perceived noise. All aircraft operating at Dublin Airport conform to the current
ICAO standards and as older aircraft are phased out in the short term, this
situation will continue to improve.
Responsibility for noise abatement operational procedures at
Dublin Airport is shared by the Airport itself, the Irish Aviation Authority
(IAA) and the airlines operating at the Airport.
In recognition of its own responsibilities in this area, Dublin Airport has
introduced and continues to evaluate a number of initiatives to monitor aircraft
noise levels and to mitigate their impact.
The primary objective of the Noise &
Flight Track Department of the Dublin Airport Authority is to gather
information on aircraft approach and departure routes and resultant noise levels at a
number of key locations. In this context Dublin Airport has
invested €1 million in the installation of a Noise and Flight
Track Monitoring System. Purchased from Bruel & Kjaer in Copenhagen, Denmark, the
system comprises four fixed NMTs (Noise Monitoring Terminals) which track
and record arriving and departing aircraft located at:
- Balcultry monitoring Runway 34
- Artane monitoring Runway 16
- Bay Lane monitoring Runway 28
- Coast Road monitoring Runway 10