Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
195. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the options that are available to residents where Irish Rail is not complying with its noise mitigation policy when carrying out maintenance at night. [58918/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day provision, maintenance and operation of public transport services.
Regarding the issue the Deputy has raised concerning Iarnród Éireann compliance with noise regulations in the course of maintenance works, in the first instance I would always encourage the complainant to contact the railway organisation themselves. Iarnród Éireann have community liaison staff and proactively engage with neighbours (residents and businesses) living/working adjacent to the railway when night works etc is taking place. They are also required to produce ‘noise maps’ in accordance with noise legislation and prepare noise action plans to maintain/reduce noise levels.
Further to this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations to which Iarnród Éireann must comply. Accordingly, if direct engagement with the company does not prove fruitful, the EPA would be the appropriate agency to contact in this instance.
