Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding his proposals to introduce new noise pollution regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35763/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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There is a commitment to introduce comprehensive legislation on noise pollution within the lifetime of this Government. Earlier this year, following an extensive consultation process, the General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was prepared in my Department and approved by the Government. The Noise Nuisance Bill is included in Section A of the Government Legislation Programme published on 16 September, 2009. The Bill will include provision for the introduction of secondary legislation for the purposes of the prevention, management, limitation, reduction or abatement of any noise which is likely to give rise to a nuisance or disamenity, constitute a danger to health, or damage to property.

While there are already a wide range of measures in place to deal with noise from a variety of sources, it is my aim that the new legislation will take a more integrated approach to noise pollution, including through codes of practice for construction, commercial and domestic situations. There will, in addition, be measures to increase awareness of how noise nuisance can be addressed and to strengthen existing local authority powers, including through a system of fixed payment notices in relation to noise nuisance offences. The Bill will also extend to An Garda Síochána some of the more appropriate improved powers of the local authority authorised officers.