asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take such steps as may be necessary to have legislation for the abatement of noise made effective as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abatement of Noise Legislation.
30.
Section 51 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, provides with some exceptions that it is an offence for any person to make noise, in a public place or in premises, which is such as to give reasonable cause for annoyance. The planning authority has a general power to prosecute offences under the Act, but any person with grounds for prosecution under section 51 may undertake it.
If the source of noise is a private premises, proceedings may not take place unless the noise continues after a warning notice signed by at least three residents or business people in the area has been served.
It seems to me, therefore, that when a noise nuisance exists the remedy lies with the people affected. When serious or widespread abuse arises, however, I would certainly consider and expect that planning authorities should take an initiative and make full use of their powers under the Act to see that such abuse is terminated.
Would the Minister consider a desirable way of tackling this obnoxious problem would be to determine certain built-up areas as noise-free rather than the method prescribed in the Act?
I will have a look at that.