Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding the introduction of appropriate sound levels for entertainment and social venues; if he has received reports on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35719/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise from commercial premises. This provision was enacted in an environmental protection context and was not, therefore, intended to apply to internal sound levels in any premises. Issues in relation to the impact of internal sound are, I understand, a matter for the Health and Safety Authority.

Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a person may also seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated, including noise from discos, pubs and other social venues. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation.

In addition to the above, I understand that under Section 4 of the Courts (No. 2) Act 1986, any person is entitled to object to the renewal of an intoxicating liquor licence at the annual Licensing Court.

In accordance with the Programme for Government, I am currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution.