Freight transporters have warned that a draft decision by An Bord Pleanála to restrict operations on the runways at Dublin Airport will have a detrimental effect on the ability of Irish businesses to trade effectively abroad.
The Freight Transport Association of Ireland (FTAI) said the airport is a key hub for the economy, providing access for businesses that both import and export.
"The integrated air cargo sector is committed to reducing noise and supports a noise quota system," said Aidan Flynn, CEO of FTAI.
"The proposed restriction on night flights through Dublin Airport will limit our nation's access to overseas markets, as well as prevent Irish businesses to undertake transactions in a seamless, profitable manner and reduce their global competitiveness."
"Flying goods into and out of the country at night ensures that the economy has all the goods it needs, ready to use, at the start of every working day, from manufacturing components to medical supplies and perishable produce. Air cargo is a critical part of the supply chain which ensures that time-sensitive goods are ready for use as and when needed."
Last month An Bord Pleanála issued a draft decision in relation to an application by airport operator daa to have the second main runway's hours of use at night extended.
The planning board proposed extending its normal operating hours by two hours, from 7am to 6am in the morning and from 11pm to midnight at night.
The proposal would also allow for the removal of the cap on the number of flights permitted between 11pm and 7am and its replacement with an annual night-time noise quota between 11.30pm and 6am.
The original planning condition restricted the average number of night-time aircraft movements at Dublin Airport to 65 per night between 11pm and 7am.
However, An Bord Pleanála also proposes an annual limit of 13,000 aircraft movements between 11pm and 6:59am, with 3,900 of those in the winter and 9,100 in the summer.
It also said that the north runway should only be used for departures between 6am and 8am.
Many local residents and those who live along the flight paths are unhappy with the noise created by aircraft arriving and leaving the airport and back restrictions to the number of night time flights.
They also want the hours of operation of the airport restricted.
But FTAI said the concept of 'just in time’ deliveries ensures that businesses can plan and operate effectively, without costly delays and air freight is a "vital cog" in the delivery cycle to give businesses and consumers access to everything the need.
"The operating conditions for Dublin’s North Runway, proposed by An Bord Pleanála, have not considered the economic implications of the decision and would create severe restrictions for Ireland’s businesses on their ability to trade effectively," said Mr Flynn.
"Such considerations are not only important to the trading position of Ireland in the world economy but also required by international agreements to which Ireland is a signatory."
He added that night flights currently make an invaluable contribution to Ireland’s economy, supporting €1.1bn in GDP and 15,000 jobs.
"Freight flown at night accounts for 38% of the total freight volumes at Dublin airport, and nearly two thirds of this is transported by express freight operators, primarily those shipping perishable and other time-sensitive goods," he said.
The draft decision is subject to consultation before An Bord Pleanála finalises the ruling.
