asked the Minister for Local Government whether, having given suitable notice to users, he will make it obligatory to instal silencers on pneumatic drills used in built-up areas so as to reduce the growing volume of noise associated with built-up areas of population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Silencing of Pneumatic Drills.
20.
I have no power to make it obligatory to instal silencers on pneumatic drills. These drills are used mainly for excavation work carried out by or on behalf of bodies such as the ESB, the gas companies, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and local authorities. The question of whether muffled drills, which are capable of performing efficiently are available at reasonable cost is under examination and, if the results are favourable, I will consider what steps can be taken to encourage the use of such drills by local authorities.