Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the environmental noise directive, Directive 2002/49/EC, has been transposed and implemented; and if so, the details regarding the completion of noise maps and action plans. [28684/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The EPA is designated as the National Authority for the purpose of the Regulations. The Agency's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to both noise mapping and action planning, as well as reporting requirements for the purpose of the Directive.

The Directive and Regulations provide for a two-stage approach to the assessment and management of environmental noise, and the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, major roads, railways and airports. Responsibility for the preparation of such maps lies with the designated noise mapping authorities, i.e., the relevant local authorities, Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency. Based on the results of the mapping process, the designated action planning authorities, i.e. the local authorities are required to prepare noise action plans for each entity concerned which falls within their functional area.

The required noise maps were prepared during 2007 and the associated action plans commenced preparation following this. At this stage, all strategic mapping has been finalised and actions plans have either been completed or are in the process of being finalised at present. The Regulations also provide for strategic noise maps and action plans to be made available to the public. They further provide for public consultation on proposed action plans, and for the results of public consultation to be taken into account in finalising action plans or reviews of action plans. Copies of maps and actions plans are available directly from the local authorities concerned. For example the action plan for Dublin may be viewed at www.dublincity.ie under Noise Maps and Action Plans.

Data in relation to the noise maps and the action plans were reported by the EPA to the European Commission within the specified time frame laid down in the Directive. The EPA has also submitted data in relation to the major roads, major railways, major airports and agglomerations designated by Member States concerning the second implementation stage of the Directive for which noise mapping will be carried out in 2012 with Action Plans to follow in 2013.