Local Election candidate in Lucan, Caitríona McClean has said the findings of An Bord Pleanála in relation to the proposed Weston Aerodrome will be a relief to worried residents. She said, “It became apparent throughout the public consultation process held by South Dublin County Council in relation to the project plans, that local residents were fearful of the potential impact on their area. Particularly regarding any additional commercial passenger or cargo flights in and out of the airport and which would lead to more disturbance and more potential risk. “Those living in Weston Park, Kew Park, Cooldrinagh and close to Celbridge already deal with noise levels and the prospect of extending the runway would inevitably worsen that.
“As detailed in my own submission to An Bord Pleanála, planning permission should certainly have been required to develop an extension of the existing runway. Furthermore, the EU regulations cited by Weston as a purpose for exemption are not relevant as the volume of traffic is well below the limit that applies. “I received a letter from the Board this week outlining the decision and confirming that those arguments stood. The local community in the immediate vicinity of the runway will be relieved to learn of this decision reached by the planning authority. “We must be conscious that an appeal to the decision reached by An Bord Pleanála is possible and so it’s important that as residents we continue to be aware of any attempts to extend the use of the airport. I fully intend on continuing my work on the matter.”
