Environmental Noise Regulations 2006

Dublin Noise Maps - Cover Page

Noise Maps, Report & Statistics,Dublin City Council Noise Mapping Project Roads and Traffic Department Produced by Traffic Noise & Air Quality Unit, November 2007.

Noise maps produced by the Traffic Noise & Air Quality Unit , Dublin City Council

Dublin Noise Maps - Cover Page
Noise maps produced by the Traffic Noise & Air Quality Unit , Dublin City Council

Dublin Noise Maps - Cover Page

Noise Maps, Report & Statistics,Dublin City Council Noise Mapping Project Roads and Traffic Department Produced by Traffic Noise & Air Quality Unit, November 2007.

Noise maps produced by the Traffic Noise & Air Quality Unit , Dublin City Council

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Cork Noise Map Cover

This is the cover page to Cork City Council's noise map, August 2008.

Taken from Cork City Noise Action Plan (2008)

Cork Noise Map Cover
Taken from Cork City Noise Action Plan (2008)

Cork Noise Map Cover

This is the cover page to Cork City Council's noise map, August 2008.

Taken from Cork City Noise Action Plan (2008)

Enlarge image

These regulations define environmental noise as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities. This includes transport noise, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic and from sites of industrial activity. They do not control domestic or neighbourhood noise.

The directive sets out a clear two-stage plan for the curbing of environmental noise:

       1. Noise maps for areas and infrastructure are made within defined criteria

      2. Based on these results, noise action plans for each area must be made

These maps are available to the public and public consultation is encouraged on the action plans. The development and implement of the maps form an important part of the prevention and reduction of environmental noise from main infrastructural sources. The first drafts of noise maps were required to be ready by June 30th 2007, with the action plans due on July 18th 2008.

In 2009 the EPA produced a Guidance Note for Noise Action Planning and a Guidance Note for Strategic Noise Mapping. These provide practical information, advice and guidance to designated Action Planning Authorities on the devlopment of noise action plans under the Environmental Noise Regulations.

A second round of strategic noise mapping is required by June 30th 2012, where the thresholds will be reduced for major roads and railways.

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.