Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity to speak about this Bill. I commend the Green Party for proposing the Bill to deal with the huge increase in noise pollution in our community. Let us hope it has an impact and will give support to everyone who has had to put up with this situation. Noise is defined in the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 as an unwanted sound which is a nuisance, would endanger human health, damage property or harm the environment.

I wish to deal with some recent events that could have been dealt with under this Bill. During construction of the Dublin Port tunnel, the residents of Fairview, Marino, Drumcondra and Santry had to put up with a lot of noise and disruption. This commenced with disturbing noise coming from the huge tunnel boring machines, which woke children in their beds. Toilets even moved during the construction phase. To make matters worse, there are now 273 damaged homes and another 117 cases are awaiting resolution. This has been ignored by the Government as the rights of local residents were trampled on in the name of so-called progress. It is neither acceptable nor good enough. I stand by all the residents affected by the construction of the tunnel in Dublin North-Central. Even if it is not popular or fashionable to do so, I will stand with the residents on this matter. The silence from the major political parties is deafening and the silence from the other Deputies in the constituency is an absolute disgrace.

Section 3 of the Bill deals with complaints about neighbourhood noise at night. The issue of anti-social behaviour arises and the noise and disruption caused to residents in this respect is not good enough. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night residents of the Howth Road and surrounding areas must put up with noise, violence and disruption coming from the Bar Code centre at the end of the Howth Road. I urge the council and the Garda Síochána to do something urgently before we have another Anabel's situation. I do not say this lightly and I urge action to prevent serious injury or death in my constituency. I am demanding action forthwith.

Section 12 refers to noise from barking dogs. I have received complaints about noisy dogs that are left unattended all day long and disturb people going about their business. Meanwhile, night workers are unable to sleep during the day. These mad dogs are barking day and night, waking up families throughout the neighbourhood. Dog owners should have more respect for their neighbours. This situation cannot be tolerated and, as legislators, we must do something about it.

I urge dog owners not to allow their pets to roam the streets biting children, postal workers and even politicians. I have been bitten twice by dogs while working in my constituency, which is very serious. Two of my election workers were also bitten by dogs while doing voluntary work in the constituency. A little more respect and manners are needed as a priority. To resolve this matter, I had to buy a dog dazer which emits a high-pitched sound to distract dogs.

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