Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Barrett made an important point in regard to the small claims court. Many of my constituents have raised with me issues of nuisance noise. One can make an application in the District Court in respect of noise regulations. People are reluctant to go to the District Court or even to a solicitor, who must draft the papers for the District Court, to deal with noise issues that arise with their neighbours.

As far as I am aware, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, is reviewing the noise regulations. Perhaps this issue should be included in that review. It is an issue of concern throughout the country. Perhaps we could provide that a District Court judge in the Small Claims Court setting could deal with these issues. This might go a long way towards addressing the matter.

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