Health and Educational Impact of the proposed New Runway

Health Impact

The Health Council of the Netherlands published a report in 1999 on Health Impacts of Airports.The report stated that Large Airports have a negative effect on Public Health.
Dublin Airport with two parallel runways and a max. of 87 aircraft movements per hour would be in such a category.
Portmarnock Community Association seeks a formal impact Health Assessment Study supported by Dr. Anthony Staines (submission enclosed). We are concerned following aviation pollution search sites showing worrying abstracts (enclosed). There is concern locally about cancer and asthma occurrences. We enclose local Health Professionals letters.
EIS makes only scant references to Health Impact and has not carried out any formal study. S.I 600 2001 article 28 (I) r : is not acted upon i.e.
'Notice to Certain Bodies: where it appears to the authority that the development might have significant effects on Public Health _____ Refer to the appropriate Health Board', this has not been complied with.
CountyDevelopment Plan 2005 DAP requires a health study for such a project.
12 Sept.2005 Fingal County Council passed a motion calling on the Manager'to seek medical advice'regarding the proposed new RunWay.

Educational Impact and affect on Vulnerable communities.

Studies show that children in schools under flight paths are in a chronically disadvantaged Educational Environment (enclosed F.I.C.A.N. Names of studies and conclusions.) As a result of Munich schools and Hounslow schools research showing negative effects of aircraft noise on Childrens Education, the
E.U. commissioned research which carried out a Trans-European study 'Ranch Project'(enclosed)
A report on the project was published in Lancet Journal 2005 (enclosed).
The conclusions found that" high levels of chronic aircraft noise exposure impair children's reading comprehension and recognition memory.
Policy Recommendations imply 'Children exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as aircraft noise..should have quiet relaxing areas at or near home for psychological restoration"
It surely follows that a flight path should not be allowed over our Community impairing the Education of 1000 children in Portmarnock Community School,> 1000 children in Scoil Íosa,several hundred children in St. Marnock's and St.Helen's primary school.
The high noise levels would also be experienced by the children as they return home and in their homes.This would add to the stress experienced from the present Runway 10/28 and the recommended "quiet area could not be provided"

Noise levels of>80 or 90 dBA would be experienced in a recently provided (by Fingal County Council) preschool children's playground .WHO Guidelines recommend 35dB. Every Summer children's' Summer Camps' take place in fields adjoining Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre(PSLC). Coaching in games and activities suited to young children are features of the camps.The Flight Path of this Development would be directly overhead.
Vulnerable people e.g Prosper Fingal ( training people with special needs) in their Restaurant and craftshop adjacent to St.Marnock's church, Also St. Rosalie's Home (which cater for adult Women with High Dependency) would be greatly affected.Staff and volunteers would have great difficulties giving instructions while out walking.(See attached letter)
Church ceremonies would be intruded upon and made inaudible by the huge levels of Noise.

Article 45 (4) (2) of our constitution states:
'The state shall endeavor to ensure that the strength and health of workers men and women and the tender age of children shall not be abused…..'

Portmarnock Community Association considers a Formal Independent Health Impact study as a planning requisite of this development.

Arguments

1. Directive 2002/3 EC was not adhered to by Dublin Airport Authority as residents' objections were not acted upon. In the consultative stage 75% of respondents said 'No' to the proposed runway.
'Environmental Corridors' were introduced in 2003 without consultation with residents.
Operating restrictions are minimal at Dublin Airport

· No night curfew
· No noise limits
· No noise/emissions surcharge
· No acoustic hangar
· No financial penalties for unauthorized deviations from flight paths.
· No restrictions on noisier Chapter 3 planes.

Noise complaints are not dealt with to the satisfaction of concerned parties. (enclosed example)

2. Directive 2002/49/EC
Articles regarding the reduction of noise at source.
Protection of quiet areas is not included in the submission.

3. E. I. S fails to give full details of noise impact.