Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

73 Chapter 3: Environmental Noise The purpose of the guidelines is to provide recommendations for protecting human health from exposure to environmental noise originating from various transport sources (road traffic, railways and aircraft). The guidelines formulate recommendations, based on the available evidence, and maximum exposure values based on increasing risk of adverse health effects. The 2018 WHO guidance levels are below the END mandatory noise level reporting thresholds of 55 dB L den and 50 dB L night . 6. Noise initiatives Low-traffic neighbourhoods Dublin City Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, has published the draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan 2023. Meanwhile, the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 sets out a vision for the city, and in the area of transport sets out very challenging and ambitious targets to be achieved, including a 40% reduction in general traffic volume and significant increases in walking, cycling and public transport use. The traffic management changes envisaged as part of the draft transport plan aim to significantly reduce volumes of car traffic in the city centre, opening up space for sustainable transport modes and significantly improving the public realm by allowing greening and the development of new public spaces for residents, workers and visitors to the city centre. 12 A public consultation was undertaken as part of this process. Other local authorities, such as Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, are also looking at similar proposals to reduce traffic volumes. Centralisation of resources in the local authority sector The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is looking to develop a business case for an enhanced enforcement structure known as REGAIN to support the provision of improved coordination, expertise and advice to underpin the consistent implementation of environmental noise, noise nuisance and air quality legislation across the country. Establishment of a suitable support structure will be essential in providing advice, guidance, training, advocacy and other supports, which would ensure a more consistent approach to air and noise enforcement 12 Draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan: consultation.dublincity.ie/traffic-and-transport/draft-dublin-city-centre-transport-plan/ (accessed 24 April 2024). 13 Night-Time Economy Taskforce: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d86df-night-time-economy-taskforce/ (accessed 24 April 2024). 14 researchoutreach.org/articles/how-make-noisy-drones-little-less-irritating/ (accessed 24 April 2024). and the successful undertaking of statutory functions such as the delivery of strategic noise maps, noise action plans and health assessments across the state. 7. Emerging issues Night-time economy The night-time economy includes cultural activities, entertainment, hospitality, festivals, sport and retail activities, with the aim of providing a safe and secure space in which to work and/or socialise. 13 Noise is an issue that needs serious consideration if the protection of residential amenity and the operation of new initiatives such as the night-time economy are to be managed in a balanced manner, allowing our cities and towns to develop as vibrant places to live, socialise and work. There are proposals for the reform and streamlining of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night-time economy, and this will inevitably be associated with an increased need for noise management. It is important that steps are taken early to ensure that robust noise mitigation actions are taken to minimise any need to address breaches in the first place. Drones (unmanned aircraft systems) The EEA has stated that drones are a technology with uncertain potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from e-commerce and the logistics industry, with concerns over increased noise pollution and threats to wildlife (EEA, 2021b). The Irish Aviation Authority supervises and implements the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulation in Ireland (S.I. No. 24/2023). The perception of drones by the public has been negatively affected by the noise they make, often perceived as annoying. Some recent research has studied how the impact of drone noise on communities can be reduced by both diverting their flight paths away from quieter areas and optimising vehicle design. 14