John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to deal with noise pollution emanating from private vehicles with modified engines and exhaust systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27766/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, 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.

An examination of the silencer to assess its effectiveness in reducing noise is part of the NCT. It is an offence to use in a public place a vehicle which causes excessive noise. Enforcement of the law in this regard is a matter for the Garda Síochána.