Noise guidelines and legislation

Environmental noise from sources such as roads, railways, airports and industry can affect our health, wellbeing and quality of life. To help manage these impacts, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has published noise guidelines and the European Union (EU) has introduced legislation on environmental noise.

In Ireland, the EPA oversees the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations. Please see more information on the key WHO guidelines and EU legislation on environmental noise below.

Noise guidelines

The WHO says that long-term exposure to noise from a variety of transport and industrial sources can disturb sleep. increase the risk of some health problems and affect our overall wellbeing.

Reducing noise pollution is a key goal of the EU Environmental Noise Directive and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. In Ireland, the EPA oversees the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations, while the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) is responsible for national noise policy.

For more information, see the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines.

Noise legislation

The EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) helps countries across Europe measure and manage environmental noise. In Ireland, the Directive is implement through national Environmental Noise Regulations.

Under the Directive, noise maps and action plans must be prepared every five years to identify areas affected by noise and help reduce its impact. This includes noise from major roads, railways, airports and some industrial activities.

Noise limits

The EU Environmental Noise Directive requires countries to assess and report on environmental noise, but it does not set noise limits or require countries to introduce them.

Before any noise limits or guidance values are introduced in Ireland, factors such as practicality, cost and local needs will need to be considered. These considerations are also recognised in the 2018 WHO guidelines.