Residents living near the Dublin Airport north runway describe the noise as “being in a warzone”.

The €320 million landing strip opened in August 2022, having received planning permission in 2007.

In the two years since the runway’s development, residents of different north Dublin areas have faced “shocking” noise levels – despite being at least over 10km from the airport. 

Private pilot and Ashbourne resident Gareth O’Brien said there is a “misconception” that those complaining about the runway live near the airport. 

“Ashbourne where we live is 12km from the airport,” he told Lunchtime Live.

“Ratoath is 15km – that's the same distance as Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Blackrock. 

“I don’t think people would consider that near the airport.” 

He explained his home is 2km from where different aircrafts “split” on the runway, flying in two different directions. 

According to Mr O’Brien, these planes within the vicinity of several north Dublin suburbs are “banking” rather than “climbing”, meaning they stay lower for longer. 

Mr O'Brien estimated this affects roughly 30,000 people across different areas, including 16,000 people in Ashbourne. 

North runway noise

Mr O’Brien noted all affected residents have found themselves “inside a noise zone of Dublin Airport despite being told by DAA for 20 years that we wouldn’t be”.

“What I mean by that is DAA in their planning application in 2005 were required to supply the area that should be reserved for aircraft noise,” he said.

Houses that were flagged as affected in 2005 now have noise insulation – but the houses affected by the new runway have no noise protection, he claimed.

Passengers at Dublin Airport's Terminal 1, 3-4-23. Image: Piere Bonbon / Alamy

Niamh Maher lives in St Margaret’s, a parish closer to Dublin Airport – but is now affected much worse than other areas thanks to the new runway. 

“We were never meant to be affected by this level of noise,” she said. 

“It’s been a living hell for the past two years - to be quite honest, we went through a phase of grief at the start because it was such a shock to the system.” 

Ms Maher said residents of St Margaret’s have always had “some aircraft noise” but not to the extent they have now. 

“It’s like being in a warzone,” she said. “The second day [planes started using the runway], there were planes coming from everywhere at low altitudes. 

“You can’t enjoy your garden, the kids can’t enjoy being out there. 

“They’re lower in the sky [and] some people commented on the fact their windows are nearly rattling because you can feel the vibrations of the noise. 

“It’s much better than an alarm clock – I know it’s 7am when the first plane goes over the house." 

Striking a balance

A DAA spokesperson told Newstalk they are “very aware” that airport operations “have an impact on local communities”.

“Our job is to operate a major international airport and ensure Ireland has the connectivity it needs with the world,” they said. 

“We have to strike a balance between this and the needs of those living close to the airport.” 

They noted that the DAA offers a “comprehensive noise insulation scheme” that fully covers the cost of insulating eligible homes.

Some 200 homes are eligible under the scheme, while 160 homes have availed of the programme.

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Main image: The first flight taking off from the north runway, 24/08/2022. By Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie