Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the type and level of enforcement action taken by the Gardaí to enforce laws governing the noise emissions from cars and motorcycles; the equipment which the Gardaí have for this specific purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 set out the legislative basis for prosecution due to excessive noise levels of vehicles. Current permissible sound levels are set by EU Directive. I am further informed that 714 proceedings were commenced and 349 convictions were recorded for offences contrary to the legislation in 2006. In 2007, 514 proceedings were commenced and 157 convictions were recorded. Some offences detected, particularly those detected in 2007, have not yet reached the courts. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are reviewing the suitability of various sound meters which will meet the specifications for sound measuring devices set out in Directive 92/97/EEC with a view to improving the collection of the technical evidence necessary for the prosecution of drivers whose vehicles produce excessive levels of noise.