Vol. 546 No. 1
1 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will introduce a noise standard, particularly in relation to areas adjacent to traffic routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31212/01]
The identification of works to be carried out on newly constructed or improved roads to mitigate the effects of road traffic noise is car ried out as part of the environmental impact assessment process for relevant projects. Forecasts of road noise levels are included in all environmental impact statements for major road schemes. Objections can be made to proposed road developments on the grounds of the potential impact of increased noise, including at an oral hearing held by An Bord Pleanála.
In approving road projects, it is open to the board to require modifications in relation, inter alia, to noise mitigation and in the past such modifications have been imposed as required. In view of the comprehensive nature of this approach, the activation of regulations, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, under section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993, in relation to noise mitigation on newly constructed or improved roads has not to date been considered necessary and I do not propose to make such regulations.
EU legislation transposed into Irish law sets standards for permissible sound levels and exhaust systems on new motor vehicles. The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, require that vehicles should be fitted with a silencer or other device suitable for reducing to a reasonable level noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine and prohibits use of a vehicle which causes any excessive noise in a public place. An assessment is also made concerning the effectiveness of the silencer in reducing exhaust related noise, as far as is reasonable, as part of the roadworthiness tests for heavy and light goods vehicles and private cars.
Future noise policy will be guided by a new EU directive on the assessment and management of environmental noise. This would require, inter alia, the mapping of noise, using harmonised noise indicators from sources including transport, major roads, railways, airports and industry and the drawing up and publication of strategic action plans to manage noise issues and effects. The Council of Environment Ministers agreed this proposal in June 2001 and it is now being considered by the European Parliament. The requirements involved will be duly implemented in Ireland following final agreement at EU level. I understand Dublin Corporation has already commenced work on noise mapping. The proposed directive does not set or require the setting of environmental noise standards and I do not have any plans at present to specify these.
It is my understanding that if a group of residents challenges noise levels, we do not have a standard against which to measure them and that we frequently refer to the British standard which is not binding in this country. Does the Minister of State agree it is important to have a benchmark against which we can measure noise levels? Many residents find it difficult to cope with the increased noise levels in certain areas from road construction and increased traffic volumes. Will the Minister of State address the issue of car and house alarms in built up areas? What is the procedure for dealing with such infringements?
Ireland does not yet experience the same level of noise pollution as mainland Europe, but increased prosperity, additional traffic, higher density and urban in-fill housing development are increasing noise pressures, especially on urban dwellers. National statutory noise standards may not be the most appropriate step to take. Acceptable levels of noise vary greatly depending on a range of factors. In an industrial area the level of noise can be higher than in residential or mixed areas. Traffic noise on urban roads may need more careful control than on a rural stretch of motorway. Outdoor noise may be higher than that indoors. Extensive measures are taken to reduce noise where necessary. For example, increased distances from housing and the inclusion of mounds to deflect noise or plants to absorb noise are incorporated from the design stage, as necessary. If there are complaints about traffic noise following the opening of the road to traffic, these can be investigated and noise mitigation measures carried out as appropriate.
Is there a standard to measure the effect of car and house alarms? Are there any regulations for householders?
A separate question has been tabled on that issue.
It relates to noise standards.
I will address that in a later question.
