Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1009: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the powers local authorities have which would be of assistance to residents who have to endure persistent barking of dogs from next door neighbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The statutory framework for the control of dogs is contained in the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 and the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998. Under the provisions of section 25 of the 1986 Act the District Court may act on a complaint by any person where a nuisance has been created by excessive barking by a dog.

While complaints in relation to barking dogs are largely dealt with under the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts, the position in relation to noise nuisance generally is that a legal remedy has been provided under Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994. This allows an individual, a group of residents, a local authority or the Environmental Protection Agency to make a complaint to the District Court in respect of noise which gives reasonable cause for annoyance, for the purpose of obtaining an Order for the reduction, prevention or limitation of the noise. The defendant is obliged to comply with any such Order.