John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Transport the regulations relating to the maximum noise levels from motorised vehicles in residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32189/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC, as amended by Directive 1999/101/EC, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles. Vehicle in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which requires vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device that is suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine.

Article 85 of these regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise but the regulations do not make specific mention of residential areas. Enforcement of this prohibition is a matter for the Garda Síochána. I intend to discuss this issue, and other relevant issues, with my Department officials and the Garda Síochána.