ANCA has published a report on the effectiveness of aircraft noise mitigation at Dublin Airport for 2022

In 2022, ANCA defined a Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) for Dublin Airport. An NAO is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible. The NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes.

The airport authority for Dublin Airport (daa) is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport. On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures at Dublin Airport in achieving the NAO.

The specific outcomes to be achieved and an analysis of operational data is presented for the health impacts of aviation activity in this 2022 report. This review indicates that although the longer-term NAO required outcomes are lower than the 2019 baseline levels, one of the four NAO expected outcomes has not been achieved for the 2022 assessment year. The inventory of noise mitigation measures in place at Dublin Airport as submitted to ANCA by daa does not incorporate all noise mitigation measures contained within planning consents and does not reflect runway operations as they have been since August 2022. On foot of this review, it must be concluded that that the noise mitigation measures identified by daa and provided to ANCA (Appendix A) have not been effective in achieving the fourth NAO outcome within localised noise bands.

ANCA will take action, whether under Regulation (EU) 598/2014 or the Act of 2019, or both, to that will be effective towards achieving the noise abatement objective.

This report has been shared with daa and any proposals put forward by daa (by August 25th, 2023) to put in place effective measures to ensure that the outcomes of the NAO will be achieved, or interim targeted measures as may be required to mitigate the aircraft noise impact.

Fingal TY girls celebrate a day of firsts as they meet Ireland’s World Cup heroes

Fifty years after the first ever Ireland Women’s National Team took to the field against Wales, a trailblazing initiative between Fingal County Council and the Football Association of Ireland has been celebrated as the first cohort of Transition Year Girls met with the Republic of Ireland’s squad who made history with the country’s debut at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The meeting took place just before the Irish team embarked on their momentous journey to Australia, where they competed in their inaugural Women’s World Cup. The Girls in Green took a break from their hectic training schedule ahead of their international friendly at Tallaght Stadium against France.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, had expressed great pride and admiration for the students and their dedication to the sport: “Fingal has always been a hotbed of sporting talent, and we are incredibly proud to witness our young girls forging their paths in football. The TY Girls’ Football & Fitness Course is a testament to our ongoing efforts to nurture the talent we have across the County and to empower the youth of our community. We are thrilled that our students had the chance to meet Ireland’s Women’s National Team and before they set off on their historic World Cup journey. This experience will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our young athletes to aim high and pursue their dreams.”

The Fingal-FAI Transition Year (TY) Football & Fitness Course gives students an opportunity to sample full-time football training while also fulfilling their educational requirements and obtaining qualifications in coaching and fitness training. The programme promotes equality and inclusivity in sports and aims to achieve the same level of success and recognition as its male counterpart. The opportunity for these students to connect with their role models is an incredible milestone.

Ireland international player and Fingal native, Diane Caldwell, had expressed her support for the ground-breaking initiative: “As a player who has experienced the challenges and joys of playing football, meeting these passionate young players from Fingal has been a fantastic experience. It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the game. I was once in their shoes, dreaming of representing my country, and it’s great to be able to offer them guidance. I wish them the very best of luck in their journey and hope to see them donning the green jersey someday.”

The TY course, a brainchild of Fingal’s forwardthinking Council in partnership with the FAI, marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s commitment to women’s football. The course aims to nurture young female talents, providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in football alongside continuing their school education.

By facilitating encounters with accomplished athletes like the Ireland Women’s National Team, these students gain invaluable inspiration and insights into the world of elitelevel football. The TY programme commences in September and will be based at the worldclass Sport Ireland Campus and the FAI National Training Centre in Dublin 15.

Fantastic atmosphere at Fingal Sports Office Watch Party in Blanchardstown

Organised in partnership with Sport Ireland and Active Cities, Fingal County Council Sports Office were thrilled to host a World Cup Watch Party at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The event saw for Ireland’s opening game against Australia! 1,500 people, attended the booked-out Ultimate Viewing Experience, including Mayor of Fingal Councillor Adrian Henchy and Australian Ambassador Gary Gray, in attendance.

The celebrations began with a parade of young supporters walking from Corduff to the Sports Ireland Indoor Arena. When the doors opened at 09:30 am, the venue became a sea of green with enthusiastic young families decked out in their Ireland colours. The match was viewed on three large screens with kick off at 11.00 am and there were plenty of other activities to entertain the younger audience including huge balloons and giant football/dartboard.

Although the result disappointed the nation, FM104 Strawberry Alarmclock DJ Crossy kept the community in high spirits, giving away two signed Irish jerseys to two lucky viewers, courtesy of the Fingal Sports Office which were presented by the Australian Ambassador. It was hard to pick the winner of the best dressed superfan as the event saw a wave of Irish green jerseys as everyone got into the spirit.