The Taoiseach has confirmed that the Cabinet has agreed to support DAA's plan to construct a new runway at Dublin Airport.

Speaking in the Dáil Leo Varadkar said it was very important for the economy, tourism and business.

DAA announced plans for the 3,110 metre runway, to be build north of the existing runway, in 2016.

The project is estimated to cost €320 million.

Planning permission was originally granted for a new runway in 2007, but that project was shelved due to the economic downturn and a decline in passenger numbers.

However, the number of people travelling through the airport has increased significantly.

Minister for Transport Shane Ross has said the Government intends to appoint Fingal County Council as the independent Airport Noise Regulator.

They will operate in accordance with EU regulations, which sets out how the impact of airport noise should be managed and monitored at all major European airports.

The matter was raised by Sinn Féin TD Louise Reilly, who said local residents wanted existing noise restrictions to be retained, rather than be replaced with less restrictive EU noise restrictions.