Niall Collins
Limerick County · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We believe that EU membership is about being aware of the advantages of membership and making sure these are understood by the public. We want to encourage the Irish public to participate in that national conversation.”
“On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputies for raising these important issues. On 1 April, the Road Traffic Control of Certain Vehicles Regulations 2026, known as Grace's law in memory of Grace Lynch, were signed into law.”
“The Department of Transport is examining the issue of mandating the use of protective equipment for e-scooters and e-bikes along with other road safety-focused measures. Proposals in this regard are under consideration by the Ministers. The Department is also considering the matter of registration for e-scooters.”
“The strategy, A Career for EU, aims to improve Irish participation and success rates in EU recruitment processes for institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and over 50 EU agencies.”
“They already benefit from significant Exchequer-funded rent supports through the housing assistance payment or rental accommodation scheme and, critically, must comply fully with the housing standards for rental houses regulations.”
“The timetable for implementation of all new and enhanced services is subject to funding, operational readiness and capacity. The public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers and mechanics.”
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“The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has supported the local communities in this planning function through the publication of ministerial guidelines, including Development Plans - Guidelines for Planning Authorities in 2022, providing for a strategic approach to the implementation of new development with a wide range of amenities and supporting community and social infrastructure critical to planning and sustainable communities. Implementation and delivery of the provision of necessary amenities for new residential areas is a key responsibility of local authorities working in tandem with developers, infrastructure providers, Government agencies and others to ensure the sustainable development and quality of environment of such areas for new residents.”
“As I stated at the outset, the provision of amenities and services is a core element of the plan-making process and is key to promoting the development of balanced and sustainable communities. Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out mandatory objectives which must be addressed by local authorities in their development plan, including objectives for the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population.”
“In accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities are independent in the performance of their functions and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no role in relation to the planning or provision of amenities and services in individual local authority areas.”
“The Belmayne and Clongriffin areas were provided with funding through the Department's local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, for improved local road access, pedestrian facilities and access to public transport in the area, including Clongriffin train station. It is noted that, under section 213 of the Planning Act, a local authority is empowered, for the purposes of performing any of its functions, including giving effect to, or facilitating the implementation of, its development plan, to acquire land, permanently or temporarily, by agreement or compulsorily.”
“This may include open spaces and recreational and community facilities. The basis for such contributions is set out in a development contribution scheme as adopted by the elected members. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides funding to local authorities through the €2 billion urban regeneration and development fund which is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland's cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the national planning framework and the national development plan.”
“As noted in these guidelines, the implementation of the development plan is a key strategic focus for the relevant local authorities, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council in this instance, and they must use their wide range of functions in housing, transport, amenities development and infrastructural delivery to achieve the objectives of the plan, including in relation to the provision of amenities. The making of a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority. A planning authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála may also attach a condition to a grant of planning permission requiring the payment of a contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities that it is intended will be provided by or on behalf of a local authority.”
“The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has provided formal guidance to planning authorities on the preparation of development plans, including on the provision of accompanying amenities for new communities, through the Development Plans - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2022. These guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and planning authorities are required to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.”
“The section further provides that objectives must also be included for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities. In practice, planning authorities comply with these requirements through the inclusion in their plans of relevant objectives, policy support and development management standards for such amenities and services, including within new residential developments, as well as identifying suitable locations for such facilities on a stand-alone basis through the zoning of land for recreation, social and community uses.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I note he is raising it in conjunction with his two colleagues, who, unfortunately, are not here to partake. I recall that my Fianna Fáil colleague, the other TD in the area, Tom Brabazon, raised this issue at a Fianna Fáil party meeting recently when we were discussing the whole area of sustainable communities. In the first instance it should be noted that the provision of amenities and services is a core element of the statutory plan-making process by local authorities and is key to promoting the development of balanced and sustainable communities. Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires planning authorities to include objectives in their development plan to integrate social, community and cultural objectives with planning for residential and other development.”
“A key output of this task force will be to develop and publish an energy affordability action plan, which will identify a comprehensive range of solutions, including potential demand-side solutions for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low-cost or otherwise surplus renewable energy.”
“The rapid expansion of renewable sources of energy is critical to lowering costs and protecting those in or at risk of energy poverty. As we move to higher levels of variable renewables, it will be necessary for electricity demand to become much more flexible to match when renewable electricity is plentiful and prices are at their lowest. The Department is leading on a new cross-Government energy affordability task force that aims to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses operating within the broader policy context set out by the programme for Government and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.”
“The ongoing work of the task force will include a full review of cost drivers within the energy sector and the development of an energy affordability action plan, which will include recommendations for structural reforms to benefit consumers.”
“The Department has established the accelerating renewable electricity task force to accelerate and increase the deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation and support flexible network infrastructure to ensure that indigenous renewable power reaches our homes and businesses. Renewable electricity helps lower the cost of electricity for households and businesses by reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and increasing price stability. Enhanced energy security through domestically produced electricity reduces dependence on imported fuels, making Ireland less vulnerable to global energy price shocks. The national energy affordability task force has also been established to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability.”
“This, in turn, will assist in securing the supply of green renewable energy to the Irish consumer, reducing the need for costly fossil-fuel generation. As the electricity network grows to meet Ireland's future supply and demand requirements, the strategic location and operation of electricity storage systems will help to maximise renewable integration and alleviate grid issues, such as surplus renewable energy. This, in turn, will reduce the levels of surplus renewable energy. The programme for Government acknowledges the pressure that increased energy costs place on households and businesses and seeks to lower prices while accelerating the pace of renewable deployment.”
“Renewable energy generation poses unique challenges to the electricity network - for example, when the wind stops blowing or the sun goes down - which greatly challenge the capacity of the grid to continually maximise the incorporation and delivery of the renewable generated electricity. To operate the grid using increased volumes of variable renewable energy sources, the grid needs increased amounts of specialist services, referred to as "system services", to ensure grid stability. Electricity storage systems are well placed to provide system services in an efficient, controlled, safe and regulated manner. Electricity storage also has the ability to charge at times of surplus renewable generation and discharge again at times of high demand, thereby utilising surplus renewable electricity effectively.”
“I thank Senator McCarthy for the opportunity to address this important issue. Ireland's climate action plans recognise the need for the electricity sector to become more adaptable and flexible, in response to the ever-increasing volume of distributed renewable energy sources on the grid. To ensure reliability in such a distributed energy system, as well as to minimise the network upgrades needed to accommodate peaks in demand, it will be vital to align our electricity use with periods of plentiful, low-cost renewable generation. Ireland’s citizens, including energy-poor and vulnerable households, can play a central role in this transition by flexibly managing their energy assets in response to the level of renewable energy on the grid and, by doing so, can lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.”
“In line with the whole-of-government approach to supporting mainstream services to better support those with disabilities, which is reflected in the national disability inclusion strategy, the Department of Transport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport, and for developing proposals for better co-ordination of transport and mobility supports for people with disabilities. A transport working group was established to make progress under the relevant action of the strategy. The group's final report has been published and contains valuable proposals to inform future policy and action. It will be incumbent on all Government Departments and agencies with responsibility for transport and mobility supports to consider the proposals in the context of the next steps.”
“This funding was specifically aimed at supporting the provision of vehicles for transport to day services where other transport solutions were not available or where an ageing fleet existed. Second, there was funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund for an in-school travel training pilot in the former CHO 3 mid-west area to support young people transitioning to a HSE-funded day service to undertake travel training in their final year at school.”
“The ambition of this Government is to bring about a step change in the services for people with disability in Ireland. The Minister of State with responsibility for disability and the Government are committed to the expansion and reform of disability services in order to maximise people's independence and help to support them to live their lives on the same basis as all other citizens. In addition to the open routes project already referred to, during 2024 the Department of Children, Disability and Equality supported two transport-related initiatives. First, it sanctioned a one-off funding measure of €3.6 million to be used for the upgrade and replacement of transport vehicles in day services, building on a similar approach to addressing the issue of ageing vehicles in disability residential and respite services in 2021.”
“The forthcoming National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 will feature transport and mobility as a key pillar, acknowledging the important role that reliable and accessible solutions play in supporting the economic and social inclusion of disabled people.”
“The National Transport Authority advises that the integrated pilot project was developed in close collaboration with the HSE, with a revised network that is designed to meet the needs of mainstream public transport users as well as the transport needs of passengers with disabilities and those accessing health care services in the county. To date all feedback with regard to the pilot from stakeholders such as the HSE, day service providers, external stakeholders and passengers has been very positive. In addition to the positive feedback, passenger numbers on regular rural services have grown considerably since the introduction of the revised TFI Local Link network for County Leitrim. This is a model that could be considered by the National Transport Authority for application elsewhere as appropriate.”
“In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the free travel pass. The HSE has been working with the National Transport Authority on the issue of transport to day services through the open routes project. Open routes is based on the idea that transport to HSE services, such as day services, would be best served by accessible local public transport, such as Local Link transporting people to their day services, but also serving the wider local community with enhanced public transport provision. This approach is being piloted in County Leitrim.”
“The Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Naughton, thanks the Senator for raising this important issue, and I am responding on her behalf. The HSE provides specialist disability services, including day services and rehabilitative training, to people with disabilities who require such services. While day service funding does not include transport, some transport supports are provided by the HSE and funded agencies on a discretionary basis, and a variety of transport solutions are pursued in different regional health areas. These include travel training to enable public transport to be used, where appropriate, local transport such as Local Link, private bus transport and taxis. Some service providers provide transport where capacity exists.”
“Similarly, CarePALs training programme is available for those working or volunteering in care settings to lead suitable physical activities with people in their care. FitLine is a volunteer-led telephone mentoring service, which provides callers with information about clubs, groups and facilities in their area. Healthy Ireland is working with Age and Opportunity and other partners on developing walking football for older adults. This is becoming increasingly popular and has great potential for further development. I again thank the Senator for the opportunity to provide this important information to the House.”
“As the Senator mentioned older adults, I will outline what my colleague, the Minister for Health, has been doing to make physical activity opportunities available to this group. Physical activity for older adults is promoted by Age and Opportunity, a national development organisation working to enable the best possible quality of life for this population group. This organisation is a key stakeholder for Healthy Ireland and is supported by the HSE and Sport Ireland. Age and Opportunity has a number of dedicated physical activity programmes, which I will mention. For example, the physical activity leaders, PALs, training programme is provided for anyone interested in physical activity initiatives in their community.”
“The Department of Health is also working closely with the HSE on the design and implementation of a physical activity pathways in healthcare model of care, which will provide a structured physical activity programme for people with chronic disease or long-term health conditions, with a focus on building their skills and confidence to engage with and maintain recreational sport participation independently. Any future engagement with ExWell Medical will be considered in the context of these structures.”
“ExWell is one of a range of organisations providing community-based exercise classes for chronic disease populations. These include patient support organisations, not-for-profit organisations and the publicly funded network of local sports partnerships across Ireland. The HSE works in partnership with many of these organisations to ensure access to exercise provision for adults living with chronic disease. Occasionally, the HSE has established formal working and funding relationships with ExWell Limited to provide access for patients to its exercise programmes. The cost structure of any programme administered by ExWell is a matter for that organisation.”
“The first iteration of the 2016 plan has now reached the end of its timeframe. A successor framework and action plan has been developed and is in the process of being submitted to the Government for approval and publication. The framework seeks to put in place a range of longer term aims and objectives underpinning the need for consistent and coherent policy responses across a broad range of stakeholders to 2040. This recognises that the drivers of behavioural change are complex and challenging. The achievement of the objectives of this framework will be driven by a series of action plans. The first national physical activity action plan will cover the period to 2029 and sets out 59 commitments across a range of stakeholders and sectors.”
“Healthy Ireland has used this collaborative approach to inform its support for Sport Ireland, which targets initiatives that promote population levels of physical activity and those with a health dimension. The Department of Health also directly supports national governing bodies for walking, cycling, swimming and running, as well as organisations to promote physical activity such as Parkrun, Age and Opportunity and Men’s Sheds. Increasing physical activity levels in children and young people is a priority. The Departments of Health, education and sport and their respective agencies are collaborating extensively to promote and access physical activity and sport in schools. This joined-up approach is crucial to the roll-out of continued development of the active school flag programme.”
“I thank the Senator for giving me this opportunity to speak on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, and outline the progress being made by the Government in this area. The promotion of physical activity for health is a priority under the Healthy Ireland framework, Ireland’s national strategy for improving the health and well-being of the population. This was evidenced by the publication of the national physical activity plan in 2016. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the 60 actions set out in the plan, co-led by the Department of Health and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. They are supported by a cross-sectoral implementation group that includes a range of other Government Departments and agencies.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and his officials will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to monitor the issue and ensure the existing regulatory framework continues to apply the balanced approach to the issue of noise management. While I thank Deputy Smith for introducing the Bill and initiating this debate, for all of the reasons outlined, the Government will oppose this Bill. Overall, it has serious concerns about the Bill and if enacted it would have the opposite of its intended impact and actually negatively impact noise regulation at Dublin Airport.”
“The outcome of these deliberations was the conclusion that the only certain way to achieve this way by primary legislation and that Fingal County Council was the best option. Further, as I set out earlier, the first periodic review of the competent authority as provided for in the legislation is due to be commenced in September 2026. It is important we do not pre-empt the outcome of this work before it even begins. In conclusion, I am firmly of the belief that the best approach to ensuring effective noise regulation at Dublin Airport in as comprehensive and cohesive a manner as possible is through a review as provided by the 2019 Act and, separately, the development of a new national aviation policy.”
“Through this process, ANCA will evaluate whether the noise impact at Dublin Airport since the opening of the new runway is of a scale that requires new noise mitigation measures or possible operating restrictions. In relation to the performance of ANCA at the regulator, the Government is confident the current system with ANCA as the independent regulator for the management of noise at Dublin Airport is proper and effective. When the 2019 Act was being drafted, the Department of Transport carried out extensive policy and legal examination to determine how best to introduce a noise regulation regime which on the one hand fully accords with EU regulation 598/2014 and on the other aligned with our existing planning and development and environmental frameworks.”
“For context, in the implementation of the 2019 Act, in its role as aircraft noise regulator, Aircraft Noise Competent Authority, ANCA, previously defined a noise abatement objective, NAO, policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment for Dublin Airport. This is effectively a plan to ensure any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible. On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures in achieving the NAO for Dublin Airport. I understand a review of noise levels and their effects on local communities has been initiated by ANCA.”
“Ireland deserves an aviation policy that is future focused and a national the national aviation policy will need to take account of the changed aviation landscape since 2015. In the context of aircraft noise, I expect this will include reflecting the importance of fit-for-purpose noise regulation in line with the balanced approach concept for aircraft noise. The way to achieve this balance is by listening to all stakeholders using modern technology and applying smart policy solutions. This means implementing reasonable controls, ensuring that noise is measured and capped within agreed levels, flight path management and making sure residents are consulted with and kept informed.”
“We cannot afford to limit our economic opportunities simply due to a reticence around having tough conversations about growth, sustainability and noise regulation. Ensuring there is a robust regulatory framework for aircraft noise at Dublin Airport is not about blocking progress. It is about managing the sustainable growth of the airport while also protecting the rights of people who live within the vicinity of the airport and under flight paths. This Government firmly believes these concepts can co-exist successfully - a thriving Dublin Airport and robust noise regulation with an independent regulator. That is why I highlighted in my opening remarks the planned update of the national aviation policy.”
“In this regard, I am aware the Department of Transport and the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, regularly engage with the Dublin Airport Authority on a number of matters including noise affecting communities around Dublin Airport. I understand the DAA has assured the Department of Transport that it continues to regularly engage with the community and stakeholders on issues related to noise at the airport via its community engagement team, which conducts visits to local homes and schools to discuss a wide range of issues ranging from flight paths to noise mitigation measures. This is in addition to the large volume of email responses and updates issued to residents and local elected representatives. These kinds of earnest and regular engagements are essential.”
“I thank all of the Deputies for their contributions today, the points they have raised and Deputy Smith for bringing this important topic to the House. As set out in my earlier remarks, the Government fully recognises the importance of having an open and transparent noise regulation system. The development of Dublin Airport in a sustainable manner that considers the impact on local communities is something for which the Minister for Transport has always strongly advocated. The Minister has committed to ensuring all relevant agencies engage effectively with residents impacted by noise, flight movements and airport operations.”
“For the numerous reasons I have outlined, the Government considers that this Private Members' Bill should be declined a Second Reading.”
“Dublin Airport is a critical driver for economic growth and supports many jobs both directly and indirectly. It is important to the Government to balance these economic benefits of aviation with the objectives of the national aviation policy and the legitimate rights of local residents, which is why it is essential that we have a robust, practical regulatory framework for aircraft noise. In this context, I am pleased to say that my colleague, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and this Government are committed to reviewing and updating the national aviation policy in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. As the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has previously indicated, he will engage with colleagues across the House as work on that review progresses in the latter part of the year.”
“In this respect, Fingal was adjudged to have the necessary experience to assess planning applications and have both the organisational capability and structure to take on this regulatory role. My fourth and final point is that the 2019 Act provides for a review of the performance of ANCA within seven years of enactment with regard to its functions under the legislation. The first such regular periodic review is due to be commenced by September 2026. I firmly believe that if we are to achieve coherent, lasting improvements in regulation, we must ensure that our legislative efforts are co-ordinated and consistent. I believe that pre-empting this formal review process at this juncture, no matter how well intentioned, would both undermine the intent behind the original legislation and existing regulation of noise at Dublin Airport.”
“I am informed that the Department of Transport sought legal advice on the matter at the time to ensure the selection of Fingal met the independence criterion of EU Regulation No. 598/2014. As the Deputy is aware, the 2019 Act explicitly states that the competent authority shall be independent and not subject to the direction of any other persons, including the elected council. While within Fingal, the aircraft noise competent authority, commonly known as ANCA, operates as a distinct and independent entity, a further significant factor for consideration is the fact that the regulation of noise at Dublin Airport is invariably tied to the development of the airport and the planning process.”
“This role requires the EPA to exercise general supervision over the functions and actions of noise-mapping bodies and action planning authorities, including Fingal, with regard to the Dublin Airport noise map and action plan. It further requires the EPA to provide guidance to such bodies where necessary. Any consideration of the EPA for the role of competent authority would require an assessment of whether it could be considered independent in its capacity as a competent authority under EU Regulation No. 598/2014 given its existing role. Regarding the independence of the competent authority, as outlined earlier, the designation of Fingal as the competent authority was subject to extensive debate in the Dáil and Seanad and during the pre-legislative scrutiny of the 2019 Act.”
“This regulation implements the International Civil Aviation Organization's balanced approach to aircraft noise management, which takes into consideration a range of measures such as operational restrictions, noise mitigation techniques and land use planning before implementing any noise-related operating restrictions. Therefore, a key consideration when selecting the competent authority was that it required organisational experience in assessing planning applications. In short, it was concluded that the EPA did not have the requisite experience in assessing planning applications to fulfil this role. I am informed that this remains the case. In 2006, the EPA was designated as a national authority under section 5(1) of the European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018.”
“At the time of drafting of the 2019 Act, a number of agencies were considered for the role of competent authority with responsibility for noise regulation, including the EPA. When evaluating the various options available, a number of factors were considered, not least the availability of potential agencies to provide an independent aircraft noise regulation process in accordance with EU Regulation No. 598/2014, which deals with the establishment of rules and procedures regarding the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports.”
“This draft Bill has not been subject to such a robust process of scrutiny or public consultation and as such it does not include the necessary detail on a number of key issues, most notably how the transfer of functions between Fingal and the EPA would be achieved in practical terms. It is unrealistic to transfer the functions of the competent authority to the EPA in circumstances where it is not clear if the organisational capability and structure of the EPA has been considered and whether the requisite planning and noise expertise is in place. As drafted, the Bill appears to assume that systems and personnel exist to give effect to its provisions. However, this is simply not the case.”
“First, the Bill, as drafted, lacks pre-legislative scrutiny and detail on the proposed transfer of function. When the 2019 Act was being drafted, the process was subject to an extensive consultation and scrutiny with key stakeholders. I am sure the House will agree that there is a reason it is generally the case that complex and far-reaching legislation such as the 2019 Act is developed within the confines of Government and follows strict processes, including lengthy consultation, legal advice from the Attorney General, scrutiny by Oireachtas committees and extensive engagement with stakeholders.”
“I also wish to assure the Deputy that Government Members share a number of his concerns about the impact of aircraft noise for those living in and around Dublin Airport. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, has been engaging extensively with a range of stakeholders on the matter in recent months, including residents, airlines, the airport and regulators. Indeed, when the 2019 Act was being drafted, Fianna Fáil colleagues engaged significantly in the development of the text and proposed a number of amendments to the then draft legislation to strengthen the independent functioning of the noise regulator. However, while brief in its content, the Bill is potentially far reaching in effect. As I will now outline, there are a number of reasons the Government cannot support it.”
“The Bill proposes to repeal section 3 of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019, which designates Fingal County Council as the competent authority for the purposes of the EU aircraft noise regulation and to transfer the functions of the competent authority for the purposes of that regulation from Fingal County Council to the Environmental Protection Agency, and to provide for connected matters. After careful consideration, the Government’s position is to oppose this Bill for a number of reasons, which I will outline shortly. First, however, the Government recognises the intentions of the Deputy in preparing this Bill, which is to ensure proper and timely regulation of aircraft noise.”
“I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to speak to the House about the important issue of aircraft noise and the aviation sector more generally. I am confident we can all agree, even though it is so often stated, that, as an island nation, aviation plays a crucial role in our economy and society. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Government’s position on Second Stage of this Private Member’s Bill, the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024.”