New regulations bid to clamp down on noise pollution
New regulations governing noise pollution have come into force today.
The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 will cut unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by road, rail and air traffic and from industrial sites.
But the new scheme will not address individual cases of domestic noise.
“These regulations are aimed at managing overall noise in major urban areas and around major national infrastructure, and protecting quiet areas for the benefit of everyone,” said Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment.
“I know that neighbourhood noise nuisance is a serious problem in many areas and a number of options already exist to address it.
“Change is needed to protect the quality of life for people who live in major urban areas or near national infrastructure such as major roads and airports.
“This is a new and important step in environmental protection and the interaction between people and the environment.”
The regulations comply with the EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.
The Environmental Protection Agency will have overall responsibility for their implementation, but governance at local level will be a matter for the local authorities concerned and Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency.
A two-stage approach to the assessment and management of noise pollution includes the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria and the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned.
“The new regulations allow people who live in areas affected by environmental noise to have a genuine voice in influencing appropriate responses,” Mr Roche added. “They have the potential to impact positively on the lives of many people in this country in the years ahead.”
