Serena Taylor, originally from Rathfarnham in South Dublin, has found herself facing unexpected challenges in her new life in County Meath. After marrying a man from the county, the couple chose to settle on his family’s farm near Newtown Cross, a picturesque spot not far from Dublin. They saw it as an ideal place to rear their four young children, surrounded by the tranquil beauty and rich history of the area. The farm itself has a long-standing heritage, predating even the design concept of Dublin Airport.
However, in August 2022, Serena and her family discovered that their idyllic countryside home was directly under the principal flight path of the Northern Runway at Dublin Airport. This situation arose despite the fact that the flight path is non-compliant with the 2007 planning conditions. The continuous disruption caused by low-flying aircraft has transformed their home into what Serena describes as a “home from hell.”
Above; Serena Taylor with the sign on the pole says it all, I can’t play my garden !
Serena’s frustrations are palpable as she explains the dire impact of the incessant noise on her family’s daily life. “You can no longer live a normal life, and it has certainly got to the stage whereby we think we will have to leave our home. We are living in a sleep-deprived environment, for our children and ourselves. The noise of aircrafts is so loud and continuous at times that you cannot believe it; you need to witness it for yourself to truly understand what we are going through,” she says.
Despite the clear non-compliance with planning conditions and the distress caused to families like Serena’s, no effective measures have been taken to halt this activity. The noise pollution from the aircraft continues unabated, severely affecting the quality of life for Serena, her husband, and their children.
Taking a proactive stance, Serena met with Minister of State Jack Chambers at a recent Fianna Fáil launch event for one of their candidates in May. During this meeting, she presented him with a letter outlining the specific issues and frustrations of her community. In the letter, Serena highlighted the serious health consequences for communities living in close proximity to Dublin Airport, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
To date, Serena has received two replies from the Minister’s office. Unfortunately, these responses have been rather bland, suggesting only that the Dublin Airport Authority (daa) is engaging with relevant bodies regarding flight paths and noise levels. The Minister has indicated that he will not intervene directly. The correspondence mentions that 19 noise monitors have been added, with plans for an additional 8 and one mobile monitor in the coming months. It also states that the daa is subject to regulation to address long-term adverse health effects of aircraft noise. However, the reality remains that no substantive action has been taken, and the noise continues unabated for those affected.
As tensions rise, another issue looms over Dublin Airport. The ongoing dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots is expected to escalate in the coming days. Management’s refusal to agree to the pilots’ demands, citing them as unrealistic, contrasts sharply with the significant pay raises they have awarded themselves. This standoff threatens to disrupt travel plans for many holidaymakers, particularly families, during the peak season. The impending strike action and work-to-rule measures are set to cause significant inconvenience.
Amidst this turmoil, Serena has reported talk of impending protests by local community members at Dublin Airport, scheduled to start shortly. This could lead to a situation where thousands of passengers face flight cancellations while protestors demonstrate against the airport’s non-compliance with planning regulations.
Serena Taylor’s advocacy underscores the broader issue of how aviation noise and operational disputes can disrupt the lives of those living under flight paths and those relying on air travel. Her efforts to bring these issues to the attention of government officials highlight the pressing need for authorities to address non-compliance and take action to protect the well-being of affected residents. Until then, Serena and her family, like many others, continue to endure the mayhem that has shattered their peaceful existence in the Meath countryside.
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