John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1141: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the deadline for the implementation of Directive 2002/49EC dealing with exhaust noise is July 2008; the measures he proposes to give effect to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20743/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 140 of 2006) give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Environmental Protection Agency is the national authority with overall responsibility for implementing the Regulations. Implementation at local level is a matter for local authorities concerned, Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency.

The Regulations require the preparation of strategic noise maps and action plans for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, and major roads, railways and airports. Through implementation of the 2006 Regulations, work on giving effect to the Directive is ongoing and I am not aware of any concern in relation to meeting the July 2008 deadline in Article 8.1 of the Directive.