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Green Party TD for Dún
Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe today welcomed the
launch of a consultation paper on Noise pollution by Minister for
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley TD.
The paper outlines existing legislative provisions that deal with
nuisance noise and 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.
Deputy Cuffe said: “the launch of this consultation document
is a welcome development that puts us on track to meet the Programme
for Government commitment to publish comprehensive legislation on
noise pollution. I introduced the Neighbourhood Noise Bill in 2006
to highlight this issue and I’m pleased to see the progress that is
being made.
“Noise pollution can be a frustrating problem to deal with, be it
car or house alarms, loud music or construction noise. The current
system for dealing with noise complaints is inadequate and trying to
remedy the problem can be a maddening experience as there are
different agencies with different responsibilities involved.
“By taking an integrated approach to the issue, people will have a
clearer understanding of how they can have their complaints
addressed. I’d encourage residents to engage with the consultation
process and make their views known” concluded Deputy Cuffe.
The text of the consultation document is available on the Department
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website –
www.environ.ie. Submissions should be marked “Noise Legislation
Review” and sent, not later than 31 October, 2008, preferably
by email, with “Noise Legislation Review” in the subject line, to:
noiseconsultation@environ.ie or by post to Eoin Deegan, Air Quality
Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government , Custom House, Dublin 1 |
CiaranCuffe.com