Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With respect, the Minister may have misunderstood the purpose of the amendment. It is not to remove the 2002 regulations but to add the 2018 guidelines which are the most up-to-date guidelines. It would not contravene anything. We have checked this out and researched the matter and our clear view is that it would not be a contravention but actually strengthen the legislation. It would not remove anything from the regulations either. It would not do what the Minister has said it would. I do not believe it would cause additional difficulties. If anything, it would ensure the noise regulator would have regard to the 2002 regulations and the 2018 guidelines, as well as future environmental noise guidelines. We expect and assume that the noise regulator would do so. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the amendment be included in the legislation.