Residents near Dublin Airport fear that health complications could result from overnight North Runway flights.
Local residents have sharply criticised the move on the grounds that the noise could cause severe disruption to sleep patterns, potentially leading to serious health effects down the line. Residents in Saint Margaret’s organised a protest on Monday outside Fingal County Council offices to protest against the health related risks.
Georgina lives in North County Dublin and says that while she was optimistic about the runway itself, the unexpected frequency of flights taking off near her house has caused her significant stress. The local resident’s group in St Margaret’s has been a lifeline for her and many others in the area as the issue continues to envelop the community.
READ MORE : Woman dies following house fire in north Dublin
She told Dublin Live that getting used to the noise of an overhead plane was impossible. She claimed that she has tightness in her chest because of the planes flying over her house. Residents need more effective communication from authorities about the issues that will directly impact their daily lives, she argues.
Niamh is a doctor who is also closely involved with the resident’s group. She says that while the flights won’t necessarily disrupt a person mid sleep, the body itself will react to the constant disturbances over time.
Niamh explains: “The World Health Organisation confirmed in 2018 that anything over 40 decibels at night has an impact on health. There are associations between night time airplane noise and cardiovascular disease and higher blood pressure.”
Niamh herself has noticed her blood pressure has become considerably elevated in recent times. The take off of planes in such close proximity to people’s homes has caused her and others in the area to experience stress and anxiety.
The situation as it stands has left many people feeling disillusioned. Georgina became audibly upset when discussing the stress brought on by the issue, while Niamh says that it has left her unable to feel at ease in her own home.
READ MORE: 'I travelled through Dublin Airport during cold snap mayhem - here is what you need to know'
However, groups such as St Margaret’s have provided people with a platform to engage on the issue and feel less isolated by the predicament. Niamh explains that for every person who speaks out publicly, there are ten others in the background who remain silent but are equally as affected.
She adds: “I still think that it’s some kind of nightmare I haven’t woken up from yet. We knew the runway was there and we have planes flying over all the time, but the overnight ones are surreal. If you can’t use your garden, what sort of life is this?”
A daa spokesperson confirmed: “On commencement of North Runway operations an issue regarding departure flight paths was identified, which resulted in some local communities being unexpectedly overflown, for which daa sincerely apologises. It is important to note that this issue did not have any impact on the safety of aircraft.”
They continued: “daa fully appreciates the impact the ongoing situation is having on our local communities and for which we again sincerely apologise.”
Fingal County Council confirmed their Planning Authority had written to the daa seeking further information on the operation of the North Runway.
READ MORE
New bill proposes dog thieves get slapped with 10 month prison term
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar won't rule out mortgage interest relief following hikes
Gravestone 'stolen' from grave of girl who passed away tragically young in Swords
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
