Noise resources and monitoring

Explore research and guidance on environmental noise, along with real-time monitoring information from selected locations. These resources provide a clearer picture of noise levels and how they are assessed and managed.

Noise research in Ireland

Noise and Health

In 2022, the EPA published the Noise–Health Ireland project which assessed the relationship between environmental noise and health in a national and international context. The project identified some key policy recommendations such as developing an ambient noise strategy for Ireland and centralising the strategic noise mapping process. It also proposed that the noise mapping bodies include the complete road networks of Cork, Dublin and Limerick when preparing strategic noise mapping data. Please see Research_Report_423.pdf (epa.ie) for more information

Common noise assessment methodology (CNOSSOS-EU)

A two-year research project, Transitioning to Strategic Noise Mapping under CNOSSOS-EU, (new common noise methodologies) for Round 4 noise mapping was completed in 2021. This report provided a transitional needs assessment and guidance for adapting common noise assessment methods in Europe (CNOSSOS-EU) to the Irish context for road and rail sources. It was used by the EPA in generating technical guidance and round 4 mapping guidance for the noise mapping bodies. Please see Research_Report_382.pdf (epa.ie) for more information.

Real Time Noise Monitoring

Some live noise monitoring data can be found at the following links; 

• Dublin City and South Dublin - live noise monitoring data 

• Limerick City - live noise monitoring data 

• Transport Infrastructure Ireland network of noise monitors around the M50

• Dublin Airport - noise monitoring at sites around the airport runways and flight paths

Noise Modelling & Maps

• EPA END Round 4 Maps for 2021 (Noise mapping and action plans) & EPA Maps
• ANCA Noise Maps (2024) - Fingal County Council & Dublin Airport aircraft noise contours
• Transport Infrastructure Ireland Noise Maps

EPA guidance notes

The EPA developed a series of Round 4 draft noise mapping guidance documents that have been used in Round 4 mapping work.