Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
891. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is any action under current laws that can be taken by residents in apartment blocks who have to put up with excessive noise, abuse, and anti-social activity and if they call the Garda, they are intimidated. [34639/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, legislation on noise nuisance comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am advised that a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority and that a public information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, eg. www.environ.ie.
The Deputy will also be aware that the leases for apartment dwellings often contain conditions or covenants which are designed to regulate aspects of the building's use for the benefit of residents. These covenants form part of the contractual arrangements entered into by residents themselves and are essentially a matter for the parties concerned.
In relation to situations where residents may be subject to harassment and anti-social behaviour, I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to deploy personnel to establish a highly visible and accessible service to communities to tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
However, in the absence of specific details as to the nature or location of the incidents, or of the intimidation referred to, it is not possible to provide a specific response from the Garda authorities on this matter. However, if a person feels that a crime has been committed they should contact their local Garda station. All crimes that are reported to the Garda are fully and thoroughly investigated and offenders brought to justice wherever possible. As well as contacting the Garda directly, information can be provided to An Garda Síochána by way of the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, which is a monitored freephone line that allows members of the public to contact An Garda Síochána with information of a confidential nature.
