Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I welcome the Noise Bill 2006 and thank the Green Party for introducing it. Excessive noise is the bane of many people's lives and is a secret pest for many people. I was amazed by recent statements by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the effect that he has no plans to introduce new measures in respect of noise control. The Minister's statement indicates clearly that he has no comprehension of the inadequacy of the present measures and that he has no knowledge of the nuisance excessive noise can be for many people.

One of the greatest nuisances in this respect is probably the transmission of noise from one residential unit to another. The invasion of one's privacy is a serious problem. However, the continual invasion of one's privacy can be an intolerable problem. How many instances have come before the courts regarding music blaring at completely unacceptable levels? The courts appear to be the only remedy. However, a control system should be put in place in which they are not the first port of call because the courts can be overwhelming for many people, particularly the elderly, who are often the victims of excessive noise in adjoining residences.

A case can be made for the appointment of noise control officers, who would be the first people to be consulted in the event of complaints of excessive noise. When the Minister expressed his confidence that the status quo regarding noise control was acceptable, he failed clearly to understand the trauma that excessive noise creates for many people. At times, it even leads to ill health on the victim's part. When considering the problem of noise transfer from one residence to another, one must also have regard to the building regulations. One must question whether the present regulations regarding noise reduction, or their policing, are adequate.

Perhaps the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government should take some time out. Perhaps he decided to accept this Bill on this Stage on mature reflection. If the Minister opts to give local authority officials direct responsibility for noise control, he should ensure that adequate funding is made available to the local authority to carry out this additional duty. In the past, myriad tasks and duties have been transferred to local authorities without additional funding. Moreover, there are embargoes on staff recruitment and the hands of the local authority are tied in this respect. Consequently, the entire process in which different Ministers at different times have engaged regarding the transfer of functions to local authorities has been an absolute waste of time. It has been nothing but a public relations exercise in which a Minister can claim to have passed particular legislation or to have put regulations in place, which must be implemented by the local authorities. However, it is not possible for the latter to so do and it is still the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The sooner he accepts this, the better for everyone.

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