Vol. 398 No. 8
128 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations which exist for the control of noise in the community; the action he or any other authority will take to combat noise pollution; the changes in the law which are envisaged in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Controls in regard to neighbourhood noise are provided for under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended. Offences under the Act may be prosecuted by the planning authority concerned. In addition, under the Planning Acts, conditions may be attached to planning permissions for development in regard to emissions from or intrusion into structures of noise or vibration. Appropriate action may be taken by planning authorities if such conditions are not complied with.
Regulations under the Road Traffic Act provide for controls on vehicles so as not to cause excessive noise when in use. Enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Various EC Directives provide for controls of a marketing nature in relation to noise levels from certain construction, domestic and other equipment.
In the context of the legislation required for the establishment of the Environment Protection Agency, further provision to improve the law in relation to noise are being formulated.
