Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a noise limit to which cars must adhere, particularly in cases where car exhausts have been modified in order to make greater noise; the way in which this limit is monitored and implemented; the way that this is enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61509/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Excessive noise and exhaust emissions from vehicles can have a negative effect on public health, wellbeing and quality of life. I would reassure the Deputy that there is a robust suite of legislation in place in Ireland to regulate against the improper maintenance and upkeep of vehicle exhaust systems. 

Under Section 29 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Use and Equipment of Vehicles) Regulations (SI 190 of 1963), all vehicles with a combustion engine must be fitted with an exhaust silencer or other suitable device for reducing, to a reasonable level, the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. 

In addition, Section 34(2)(e) of the same Regulations states that such silencers must be properly maintained in good and efficient working order. Similarly, Section 85(1)(a) states that a person shall not use or permit to be used, a vehicle that causes excessive noise as a result of defect, lack of repair or adjustment of the vehicle or any of its equipment.  

As I understand it, excessive noise from vehicle exhaust systems is monitored at the national car test (NCT) and also at roadside enforcement checkpoints by An Garda Siochana. According to Schedule 3 of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017, which sets out the items to be tested and reasons for refusal of a test certificate, the specified noise level which a vehicle is prohibited to exceed is 99 decibels. 

An Garda Síochána is responsible for enforcement of road traffic legislation and instances of infractions should be reported to local stations.