Consultation Paper on Noise Issues Launched

The paper proposes several steps for discussion including:

• An integrated approach to noise pollution issues
• Improved powers for local authorities to take steps to address noise sources
• To provide An Garda Síochána with powers similar to local authorities vis-à-vis noise pollution
• The drafting of codes of practice for industry, construction, commerce and domestic situations for the reduction of noise
• A higher profile for noise issues through an annual reporting mechanism
• The creation of a website to provide information to affected persons on appropriate means for addressing complaints.

“Noise nuisance has always been an area of concern for the Green Party. Under existing rules different agencies are responsible for dealing with noise from different sources. Barking dogs are dealt with by local authority dog control officers; loud music by Health Board's environmental health officers, while the Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for noise from low-flying helicopters. In practice none of these agencies are good at moving quickly, and people are forced to go to the district court in a process that can drag on for weeks or months. The current system is confusing and frustrating for the public," said Green Party Cllr. Caroline Burrell.

“This is the first step in a process to make the procedures for dealing with noise issues more accessible and understandable for residents and to ensure that noise complaints can be dealt with in a timely manner. Excessive noise can be disruptive, annoying and stressful. Noise pollution, including excessive neighbourhood noise, can affect individuals’ health and children’s learning ability. We want to ensure a high quality of life for all so we need to treat neighbourhood noise as pollution and take effective measures to deal with it. This process will provide the means to achieve and this Paper is something residents should be made aware of. I would urge Residents to link in with this process and put in a submission. The closing date for receipt of submissions on the issue of noise is 31 October, 2008. "

The Stakeholder Consultation on Noise discussion paper has been prepared to assist and inform those who wish to make a submission on the issue of noise and makes suggestions for consideration and feed back on possibilities for strengthening existing legislation.

Measures to be introduced in the Noise Bill:

• Noise control officers attached to local authorities would be a central point of contact for all forms of neighbourhood noise complaints.
• Noise pollution complaints would be dealt with on a 24-7 basis.
• A simple system involving noise level testing, serving of warning notice and fixed penalty notices would be administered by local authority noise control officers.
• Car alarm activation periods would be reduced. Cars with alarms exceeding new time restrictions would be towed.
• External intruder alarm activation periods would be reduced.
• All external intruder alarms would be registered with monitoring body and registered with district noise control officers.
• Activated unregistered external intruder alarms could be removed by noise control officers.
• Helicopter noise would be dealt with by noise control officers in conjunction with the Irish Aviation Authority. A system of warning notices and fixed penalty notices would operate.

For further information please contact:

Cllr. Caroline Burrell
Bray Town Council
The Green Party
Wicklow

Caroline Burrell on 086-314 0453; email: burrell@wicklowgreens.org