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Noise complaints

In Ireland, noise complaints normally fall under four main categories:

  • entertainment, such as loud music
  • domestic/neighbourhood noise
  • industrial/commercial activities that cause noise and
  • transport-related noise sources

If you have a noise complaint, take a look at the table below which shows the different noise categories and the authority responsible. More information on relevant legislation can be found here.

Entertainment:
Example of Complaint Type Responsible Authority

Bars, nightclubs and restaurants

Local Authority: noise issues arising from within the premises (e.g., loud music, loud conversation etc.)

An Garda Siochana: Noise issues arising outside of the premises (e.g., anti-social behaviour)

Concerts and outdoor events

Local Authority: noise issues arising from within the venue (e.g., loud music etc.)
Domestic:
Example of Complaint Type Responsible Authority

Domestic noise such as parties or construction work

Local Authority

Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB)

An Garda Siochana: (e.g., anti-social behaviour)
Industrial/Commercial activities:
Example of Complaint Type Responsible Authority

EPA Licensed sites (eg, waste/industrial processing sites)

 

EPA – check here to see if the facility is licensed by the EPA

Loud fans, reversing beeping noises, loud machinery, rumbling.

Impulsive noise from machinery, emission control equipment.

Local Authority

Non-EPA licenced sites,

Construction and demolition,

quarries and mines,

wind turbines,

cooling systems, air extraction systems, generators, mobile units (e.g., mobile generators, etc.)

Local Authority
Transport:
Example of Complaint Type Responsible Authority

Airport activities

Irish Aviation Authority

Dublin Airport Authority

Cork, Shannon Airport (as appropriate)

Dublin Airport - noise generated by aircraft activity

Fingal County Council – as the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA)

Road – regional and smaller road,

Major roads (national roads and motorways)

Local Authority

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Other:
Example of Complaint Type Responsible Authority
Crow gun, bangers, gun clubs

Contact your neighbour in the first instance.

If unresolved, contact your Local Authority.
Barking dogs

Contact the dog owner in the first instance.

If unresolved, complete a Section 108 Form under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986. This form is available from the District Court.
Security alarms

Speak to the people involved.

If the issue is unresolved, contact your Local Authority
Noise at work

Contact your HR Department in the first instance.

Health and Safety Authority

Section 108

The citizens information website has some useful information on noise nuisance. If a noise complaint cannot be resolved by your local authority or through local mediation, then there is an option for any person to seek a court order under section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 to try to get their complaint resolved.