asked the Minister for Local Government if any studies have been carried out to determine if noise levels in busy streets are dangerous to human health; and, if so, whether any action is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Street Noise Levels.
91.
I am not aware of any such studies in this country but, in so far as my Department are concerned about increasing levels of noise from traffic and other sources, they keep in touch as far as possible with research in other countries. The effect of noise on health is discussed in numerous reports but there is considerable disagreement, however, regarding the nature, extent and importance of the effects of noise on human health. A general reduction in vehicle noise levels is largely dependent on international action and the imposition of standards in the car-producing countries.
Does the Minister intend to take any steps to determine whether there is a problem in Ireland?
It is very debatable to what extent, if any, noise at this stage has adverse effects on health. It may be of interest to the Deputy to know that the position may, in fact, be altered if we become a member of the EEC because the Community have decided on definite standards of vehicle noise and have issued a directive on it. I suppose if we accede to the Community we will have to adopt the same regulations here, but it is not deemed to be a matter of major importance at present in this country.
Would the Minister consider researching the noise level here?
It is not easy to understand some of the noise generated here.
I left myself open for that reply.
It is not recorded so it is all right.