New online noise tool launched to help residents near Dublin Airport 

Dublin Airport has unveiled an online portal designed to give local residents clearer, easier access to information on aircraft noise and flight activity in their area.   

The newly launched Dublin Airport noise information portal marks a major step forward in daa’s efforts to increase transparency and strengthen communication with surrounding communities.  

The interactive portal provides real-time, location-specific data on airport operations and noise management, allowing users to see how flights to and from Dublin Airport may affect them directly.

It’s built on ‘InsightFull’ technology from Envirosuite, a global leader in environmental intelligence, whose tools are already used at over 25 airports worldwide, including Gatwick and Toronto Pearson.  

Kenny Jacobs (pictured above), CEO of daa, said the new tool is part of a broader strategy to make it easier for people living near the airport to understand what’s happening overhead.  

“We know that airport operations impact the community around us and we take that seriously,” Jacobs said. “We have to strike a balance between operating a major international airport and ensuring Ireland has the connectivity it needs, with the needs of those living close to the airport.”  

Jacobs said feedback from the airport’s most recent community survey indicated residents wanted more openness and transparency around operations.  

“Our 2024 community survey showed strong support for the airport, but highlighted people want more transparency, openness, and access to information,” he said.

“The Dublin Airport noise information portal is the latest addition to our online engagement tools which we hope is useful to our local community and empowers them to interact with the airport.” The new portal complements a suite of online tools already in place for residents, including Maploom—a tool launched in October to help people quickly check if they’re eligible for insulation or buy-out schemes—and the WebTrak portal, which offers near-live flight and noise information along with an easier complaint submission process.  

These tools support daa’s ongoing investment in noise mitigation measures.

So far, over €20 million has been spent to lessen the impact of aircraft noise on local communities.

Key initiatives include home insulation, school soundproofing, and voluntary home purchase offers.  

Almost 230 homes identified as being most affected by noise have been deemed eligible for insulation. Of these, 186 have already been insulated. A further 400 homes could benefit from a new €30,000 insulation grant scheme announced in January.  

In addition, a voluntary buy-out scheme has been offered to 41 homeowners living near the airport.

This includes a 30% premium on the current market value of their homes, along with support for stamp duty, conveyancing and moving costs.

Six purchases have already been completed, with another 14 currently in progress.  

Noise insulation work has also been carried out at three local schools, with two more scheduled for upgrades later this year.  

To monitor and better understand the effects of aircraft noise, daa has installed 25 fixed noise monitors and two mobile units across Dublin, Meath, and Wicklow.

Readings from these monitors can be accessed via WebTrak, giving residents insight into the sound levels in their areas.  

daa also uses financial disincentives to limit noise, penalising older, louder aircraft that operate out of Dublin Airport.

Adjustments to aircraft operating procedures are also being implemented to reduce the noise footprint.  

Beyond noise, daa is expanding its community outreach.

More than 120 home and school visits were carried out by its Community Engagement team in 2024, and 35 have already taken place so far this year.

The airport also hosted 11 meetings last year of the Community Liaison and Environmental Working Groups, with the same number planned for 2025.  

In addition to the €20 million noise mitigation spend, daa supports local initiatives through its €10 million Dublin Airport Community Fund. Last year alone, it distributed €500,000 to over 100 local groups, with the same funding earmarked for 2025.  

Independent research carried out this year by Red C found 77% of local residents are supportive of airport expansion plans—an indicator that despite concerns around noise, the airport is still viewed positively by the majority of those living nearby.  

The new noise information portal is available now via the Noise section of the Dublin Airport website.