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

Chapter 4: Environmental Noise Chapter Highlights for Environmental Noise National noise planning guidance for local authorities is needed. This will support and promote the proactive management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life. The guidance will also help to implement the noise objective in Project Ireland – National Planning Framework 2040 and should also consider the 2018 WHO noise and health guidelines. Noise pollution complaints from the public have been increasing and current measures do not always allow for them to be adequately addressed. Local authorities need to take a much stronger leadership role in dealing with noise issues, particularly in more urban areas. Integrating air pollution and noise mitigation measures (and climate actions), particularly in transport management, can bring many benefits. Such integration of options could be explored under the plans for a clean air strategy for Ireland. Local authorities should also designate quiet areas in their cities for health and wellbeing value. 95