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Project title

Noise 2050

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

John Kennedy

Project Abstract

Noise pollution is increasingly recognized as a critical environmental issue with significant impacts on human health and biodiversity. Addressing this concern is essential for creating a sustainable future, aligning with the European Green Deal Zero Pollution Action Plan's goal to reduce pollution to non-threatening levels by 2050. Noise2050 aims to advance knowledge and inform policy solutions within the Irish context, focusing on comprehensive strategies to monitor, model, and mitigate future noise pollution from road, rail, air, and emerging sources. The project will address emerging sources of noise pollution, such as electric vehicles, drones, and renewable energy installations and the challenges for traditional noise assessment frameworks. The project has four main objectives: developing a robust understanding of future noise environments, engaging citizens in data collection and health impact assessments, devising effective noise mitigation interventions, and disseminating findings to stakeholders. By leveraging advanced acoustic analysis and environmental modelling techniques, the project will create predictive models to forecast noise pollution trends up to 2050. A key component of this project is the identification of opportunities and priorities for mitigating the impact of noise hot spots. This will allow targeted development of localised and long-term noise monitoring networks. This effort will build on and complement existing networks to ensure data consistency and reliability. Citizen science initiatives will engage local communities in noise data collection and raising awareness about noise pollution and its impacts on health. By integrating community-collected data with traditional monitoring methods, the project aims to create a comprehensive noise pollution database that reflects diverse environmental contexts, including urban and rural areas. The project will also focus on modelling the sources and drivers of noise pollution, identifying future trends, and developing metrics and indicators to pinpoint geographical hot spots of pollution with serious environmental health problems. This analysis will inform the development of targeted interventions and remediation technologies, aimed at mitigating noise pollution and promoting a healthy acoustic environment. The co-benefits of integrated solutions rely on interventions that not only address noise pollution but also contribute to broader environmental and public health goals. For instance, promoting the use of electric vehicles and green infrastructure can reduce both noise and air pollution, creating synergistic benefits for communities. The project's outcomes will be disseminated through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and communication strategies. Regular workshops, public consultations, and educational outreach programs will ensure that the findings and recommendations are accessible to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general public. This collaborative approach will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders, facilitating the adoption of effective noise mitigation measures. This project represents a significant advancement in the field of noise pollution research. By integrating innovative monitoring and modelling approaches with targeted interventions and stakeholder engagement, it aims to create a sustainable, noise-free environment in line with the European Green Deal's Zero Pollution goals. The findings will not only inform policies and practices in Ireland but also contribute to global efforts to tackle noise pollution and its impacts on health and the environment.

Grant Approved

579886

Research Hub

Delivering a Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Towards Zero Pollution

Start Date

01/09/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2029