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2006 Regulations

These Regulations give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.  Environmental noise is defined in the Regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity.  The Regulations are not intended to address domestic or neighbourhood noise.

A two-stage approach to the assessment and management of environmental noise is provided for in the Regulations.  Firstly, the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, major roads, railways and airports.  Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned.  The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise.

The Regulations provide for strategic noise maps and action plans to be made available to the general public.  They also provide for public consultation on proposed action plans, and for the results of public consultation to be taken into account in finalising action plans or reviews of action plans.

The first set of strategic noise maps are required to be ready by 30 June 2007.  Following on from this process, the first action plans are required to be made by 18 July 2008.

The Environmental Protection Agency are the National Authority with overall responsibility for implementation of the Regulations.  Implementation at local level is a matter for the local authorities concerned and Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency.

 
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