EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Chapter 4: Environmental Noise Noise: EPA Research Programme 2014-2020 Since 2017, the EPA has funded two noise research projects representing a commitment of €0.6 million under its Health and Wellbeing research theme (Sustainability Pillar) in the areas of noise and health and strategic noise mapping (Noise Adapt). These projects will add to the evidence base on environmental noise pollution in Ireland and its health impacts. The Noise Adapt project is due to be published in 2020, while the noise and health project is due to be published in 2021. Their findings should assist with the development and application of the new EU noise modelling and mapping methods that will be required in the next cycle of national mapping. More information is available at http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/ research/researchpublications/researchreports/. Another area to mention is the impact of noise on wildlife both on land and in the water. Underwater noise is covered in Chapter 8 The Marine Environment. 3. Impact of Noise Noise complaints The number of noise complaints has increased in recent years. In Ireland, noise complaints normally fall under four main categories: n complaints about entertainment, such as loud music n domestic/neighbourhood noise n industrial/commercial activities that cause noise and n transport-related noise sources. Figure 4.4 shows the noise complaints received by local authorities and the EPA for the years 2016-2018. Most of the complaints about noise received by local authorities were from urban areas, with Dublin local authorities receiving the most complaints. The number of noise complaints received by local authorities, as well as the number of noise complaints overall, increased from 2016 to 2018, the last 3 years for which data are available. Almost one-third of all complaints received by the EPA about EPA-licensed sites related to noise issues (EPA, 2020). Figure 4.4  General noise complaints received by local authorities (LAs) and noise complaints received by the EPA about EPA-licensed sites (2016-2018) (Source, EPA) Complaints to LAs Complaints to EPA 2016 2017 2018 Year No. of complaints 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 1533 194 1633 326 2069 217 89