Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not convinced of the need for this change because of the transparent process we are going through. I am not aware of a precedent for it. I am more than satisfied that the notification requirements set out in the Bill, which mirror those in the planning Acts, are sufficient to ensure that people will be made aware of what is happening. All decisions of the noise regulator will be published on its website and will be available for inspection in its offices. Furthermore, a notice will appear in national newspapers stating that the noise regulator has made a decision and detailing how that decision and any associated report can be accessed. It is also worth noting that any person who participates in the process, that is, any person who made observations or submissions during the public consultation phase, will also be notified directly and in writing by the regulator. I do not think it is essential. This is a very transparent process and it is probably putting another layer in here which is unnecessary. The fact that everything is on the website will mean that members of the local authority should know about it and ought to be alert to it.