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Commercial/Construction

Noise from Commercial Premises 

Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise.  These powers are generally exercised in preventing and limiting noise from commercial and industrial premises within their functional areas. A Notice can be served by a local authority on any person in charge of any premises, processes or works, other than an activity controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In the case of an activity for which an Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control License is required, the Environmental Protection Agency  is responsible for all complaints, including those for noise nuisance.

With regard to noise from pubs and nightclubs, complaints can be addressed to the local authority concerned, or an individual may take a case under the Noise Regulations (see below) or the complaint may be pursued through the licensing laws (see http://www.justice.ie/).


Construction Noise

There is no specified statutory period during which certain works e.g. construction, road works, DIY etc. are prohibited.  However, a Planning Authority may attach conditions to individual planning permissions for any development on a case by case basis.  These tailored conditions may include restrictions on the times when construction work can be undertaken.

If you are encountering noise from a construction site you should, in the first instance, contact your Planning Authority to ascertain whether any such conditions apply.  A local authority can still address the issue under Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 which provides them with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise.  You can also address the issue by taking a case yourself under the Noise Regulations.

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