Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding proposals to introduce new noise pollution regulations, that will provide for noise from alarms, on-the-spot fines for noise pollution and arbitration procedures for neighbours in dispute on noise issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35810/09]

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 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.

I intend that the new legislation will provide local authorities with stronger enforcement powers to deal with nuisances from particular noise sources, such as continuously sounding alarms, through a system of fixed payment notices in relation to noise nuisance offences. In addition, the General Scheme of the Bill includes provision for a potential role for mediation services to assist in the prevention, limitation or abatement of noise in certain circumstances.