Noise Pollution.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004

Thursday, 20 May 2004

Questions (181, 182)

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

181 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that there is need for a review, in co-operation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, of the regulations which govern the use of the particular type of exhausts that are used in cars to breach disturbing the peace levels in town centres at night for hours at a time and which cause sleep deprivation to many persons of all ages who reside in these town centres. [15068/04]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

182 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that there is need for a review, in co-operation with the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of the regulations which govern the use of the particular type of exhausts that are used in cars to breach disturbing the peace levels in town centres at night for hours at a time and which cause sleep deprivation to many persons of all ages who reside in these town centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15069/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.

In accordance with the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 motor vehicles are required to be fitted with a silencer or other device suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the vehicle engine. The regulations also provide that a vehicle which causes excessive noise shall not be used in a public place. Contravention of the regulations is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, the enforcement of which is a matter for the Garda Síochána. I have no plans to review the regulations.