The number of complaints about aircraft noise at Dublin Airport more than doubled last year, reaching nearly 71,000, with one person submitting an unprecedented 7,535 complaints in just one month, reports Breaking News.
Statistics released by DAA, the airport’s operator, show a total of 70,939 complaints about aircraft noise during landings and take-offs in 2024 – more than 37,000 higher than the figure for 2023.
A significant portion of these came from a small group of individuals, with DAA stating that “serial complainants” are responsible for nine out of every ten cases, reports Breaking News.
Data reveals that a single resident near a main flight path in St Margaret’s, Co Dublin, filed 7,535 complaints in August 2024 – averaging 243 complaints daily – contributing to over 18,000 complaints lodged between July and September last year.
Although a small number of prolific complainants can heavily influence the overall figures, the new data confirms that noise complaints are still climbing even without accounting for “serial complainants,” reports Breaking News.
According to DAA’s data, the top five individual complainants each month were behind 46,197 complaints last year – making up 65 per cent of the total – compared to around 19,700 in 2023.
Meanwhile, complaints from the broader public rose by 81 per cent to 24,742 last year, marking an increase of more than 11,000.
Figures also highlight that an average of 152 people submitted complaints monthly in 2024 – a drop from 290 individuals the previous year, reports Breaking News.
This trend suggests that while fewer people are now complaining about aircraft noise at Dublin Airport, those who do are filing complaints more frequently.
DAA’s statistics show that about five per cent of planes deviate from assigned flight paths and are classified as “off track.”
Although DAA did not specify any penalties for such deviations, it mentioned working closely with airlines “to improve adherence to flight paths,” reports Breaking News.
DAA’s media relations manager, Graeme McQueen, explained that some fluctuation in complaint volumes in recent years was “not surprising given that North Runway is still a relatively new piece of infrastructure which is bringing new noise to some people for the first time.”
While DAA didn’t provide a breakdown of complaints specifically related to the €330 million North Runway, operational since late 2023, it noted that usage is generally restricted to 7am-11pm, reports Breaking News.
However, the data indicates that 65 per cent of all departures last year utilized the North Runway, whereas 81 per cent of arrivals touched down on the South Runway.
Mr McQueen asserted that the opening of the North Runway has led to significantly fewer people being affected by aircraft noise.
He added: “That’s due to the significantly reduced usage of our Crosswind Runway, which resulted in planes flying over heavily populated areas of Dublin City, the use of more modern and quieter aircraft and the adoption of DAA’s extensive noise mitigation measures,” reports Breaking News.
During the winter months, the most complaints are recorded between 7am and 9am, with a smaller spike in the evening, according to the figures.
Conversely, during the peak summer season, complaints are more evenly distributed throughout the day, reports Breaking News.
Around 37 per cent of all noise complaints are linked to Ryanair flights, while 28 per cent involve Aer Lingus, with other airlines making up the balance.
DAA’s data shows that the majority of complainants live in areas such as St Margaret’s, Ratoath, The Ward, Ashbourne, Swords, Kilsallaghan, Malahide, and Portmarnock.
Airlines operating from Dublin Airport must follow a “noise preferential route” until reaching an altitude of 3,000 feet or 4,000 feet if departing from the North Runway, reports Breaking News.
For arrivals, aircraft must maintain a straight path for at least the last 11km of their approach when flying at 1,800 feet.
A study commissioned by the St Margaret’s/The Ward Residents’ Group, who are campaigning to maintain the 32 million annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport, found that aircraft noise is severely impacting the health of 17,000 locals at an estimated cost of almost €800 million, reports Breaking News.
The research, conducted by PMCA Economic Consulting, relied on the latest survey by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority, which recorded 71,388 residents as being “highly annoyed” by aircraft noise and 32,562 as “highly sleep disturbed.”
It also reported that 16,746 people living around the airport have suffered from heart-related issues, with a total of 120,696 experiencing general health problems, reports Breaking News.
Niamh Maher, spokesperson for the group, stated that aircraft noise is genuinely damaging residents’ health, and the economic toll is now clear.
“The health impact on people’s lives by the relentless pursuit of driving up passenger numbers at Dublin Airport surely demands a rethink,” said Dr Maher.
The residents have urged for a more balanced approach to airport development in Ireland, advocating for greater use of Shannon, Cork, and Knock airports, reports Breaking News.
Earlier this month, DAA introduced a new noise information portal on its website to offer interactive data about flights to and from Dublin Airport.
Mr McQueen said the portal was created in response to an extensive community survey which showed residents wanted more “transparency, openness and access to information on airport operations and noise management,” reports Breaking News.
Through the portal, individuals can monitor aircraft noise levels in their areas and check their eligibility for insulation or home buy-out schemes.
DAA reported having spent more than €20 million so far on home insulation initiatives and property purchases near the airport.
The company stated that nearly 230 homeowners most impacted by aircraft noise qualify for insulation upgrades, with 186 homes already completed, reports Breaking News.
Additionally, around 400 properties will benefit from a grant scheme providing €30,000 per home for insulation improvements.
DAA also announced a voluntary home buy-out scheme offered to 41 families, with offers about 30 per cent above market rates, along with generous support for stamp duty, legal fees, and moving expenses, reports Breaking News.
So far, six property purchases have been finalized, with 14 more currently underway.
“We have to strike a balance between operating a major international airport and ensuring Ireland has the connectivity it needs, with the needs of those living close to the airport,” said Mr McQueen, reports Breaking News.
“That’s always going to be difficult, but we are constantly working to minimise the impact and listening to community feedback,” he added, reports Breaking News.
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