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

Chapter 4: Environmental Noise A significant modification in the new guidelines is the consideration of special audible characteristics (e.g. tones, amplitude modulation and low frequency noise) (DHPLG, 2019). The implementation of a new noise monitoring framework is also proposed. It is envisaged that the EPA will have a supporting and advisory role in ensuring that local authorities have a robust noise monitoring framework in place. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications are considering submissions from the public consultation process with a view to publishing the final Wind Energy Development Guidelines before the end of 2020. 5. Conclusions Noise Soundscape While acknowledging the negative impact of noise on our society, we also recognise that our lives are enhanced by conversation, laughter and cheering, music and the sounds of nature. A healthy acoustic environment is more than simply the absence of unwanted sound. The term ‘soundscape’ refers to the acoustic environment as perceived, experienced and understood by people in any given context, and this includes beneficial and neutral sounds as well as noise. The protection of quiet areas and healthy soundscapes can be achieved through good urban sound planning. We also need to be mindful of the potential for changes in the soundscape where people live, from new developments in technology. Noise and Health Long-term exposure to environmental noise from road traffic, railways, aircraft and industry contributes every year to about 48,000 new cases of heart disease and 12,000 premature deaths in Europe. It is also estimated that 22 million people suffer from chronic high levels of annoyance and 6.5 million people suffer from chronic high levels of sleep disturbance (EEA, 2020). Some of these noise-related deaths and illnesses occur in Ireland, but it is not yet possible to estimate the health impact here. The EPA-funded noise health research project will provide a detailed review of the relationship between environmental noise and health and wellbeing in Ireland when it is published in 2021. Implementation of Noise Action Plans A reduction in road traffic volumes and the benefits of lower noise levels have been observed by the Irish public during the restrictions implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As outlined earlier, each local authority is now required to set out the steps that they have taken each year to prevent, protect against and reduce excessive noise, as identified in their noise action plans. The EPA recommends that ‘pilot’ noise mitigation programmes should be considered in Dublin, Cork and Limerick as part of a national coordinated approach to the implementation of control measures identified in the noise action plans. This approach would require close cooperation between local authorities and the relevant transport authorities and government departments, such as TII, Irish Rail and the Dublin Airport Authority, where appropriate. Cross-sectoral Approach Interventions that reduce both the adverse effects of air pollution and the adverse effects of noise have the potential to positively impact a larger number of people than those targeting only one environmental stressor. The same can be said for integrating such interventions with relevant measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In general, strategies that may be effective at mitigating both environmental noise and air pollution from transport or industry sources include traffic-calming measures, improvements in cycling and walking infrastructure, the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, urban planning measures, improvements in public transport and increases in greenery, as well as the use of energy-efficient buildings. As well as reducing excessive noise, implementing such measures can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect (see Chapters 2, 3, 11, and 14 for relevant discussion). Therefore, interventions intended to mitigate air pollution and noise will require a coordinated and collaborative approach among the different health, planning, transport and environmental protection stakeholders (EEA, 2019a). The approach to environmental noise, including noise reduction strategies, is closely linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11). This goal can also be addressed through the preservation of quiet areas in both urban and rural areas and by developing urban soundscape plans for our larger cities. Noise can also impact on wildlife. The issue of underwater noise and marine mammals is covered in Chapter 8 The Marine Environment. 93