There are options available if you are affected by noise nuisance. The procedures below apply to common neighbourhood noise issues, such as persistent noise from nearby homes, workshops, or local businesses.

When can I take action?

You can take action if noise is so loud, continuous, frequent, or occurs at times or pitches that reasonably cause annoyance.

What action can I take?

You should first try to resolve the issue informally by speaking with the person or business causing the noise. If this fails, you can:

• Contact your local authority about neighbourhood noise issues.
• Complaints about privately rented accommodation should be raised with the landlord, and with the city or county council in the case of local authority housing. 
• Contact the EPA for complaints relating to EPA-licensed activities or traffic- related noise from major infrastructure.
• The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 179 of 1994) provide a straightforward way for individuals or groups to seek redress through the Courts. 
• In some specific cases, make a formal section 108 complaint to the District Court seeking an order to address the nuisance. Application forms are available from the District Court office. 

In the first instance, you should contact your local authority. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) provide contact details for all local authorities on the gov.ie website. The local authority can advise whether a road traffic noise complaint falls within their responsibility.

If the issue relates to a national road or motorway, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which manages this network, may be able to advise on any planned works or noise monitoring data. Contact details and noise maps are available on the TII website. 

TII is also responsible for preparing strategic noise maps for major national roads carrying more than 3 million vehicles per year and for light rail lines (Luas). 

Transport infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are responsible for the management of the motorway and the national road network in Ireland. In 2014, TII (formally known as the National Roads Authority) released a report entitled Good Practice Guidance for the Treatment of Noise during the Planning of National Road Schemes.

This study of Environmental Impact Statements of national road schemes came four years after the publication of the Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures, in achieving the noise design goal as set out in the Guidelines.

Local Authorities

Local authorities are largely responsible for all other roads in Ireland (regional, public and local roads). They are responsible for noise mapping and developing noise actions plans under the Environmental Noise Regulations. Local authorities should investigate noise pollution complaints and work to resolve any issues identified where possible.

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC)

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) includes an Environmental Protection section on their website, which provides information on various environmental problems including noise. This section includes relevant links and helpful documents on the impact of environmental noise and the various approaches to managing unwanted noise nuisance. For more information check out the Environmental Protection section on the Department’s website.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2018, as amended. This includes supervisory and advisory functions in relation to strategic noise mapping and noise action planning (every five years) for major roads, major rail, major airports, and for large agglomerations (Dublin, Cork & Limerick).

The main participants in Round 4 noise mapping are the Noise Mapping Bodies (NMBs), which include the local authorities and the DAA. More information is available on the EPA website.

The EPA’s main role is to ensure that the Noise Maps and Noise Action Plans (NAPs) that are developed by local authorities are prepared in accordance with noise regulations. The Round 4 Strategic Noise Maps (roads, rail, airport and agglomerations) are based on 2021 data. Following the preparation of the noise maps, the relevant local authorities, are required to consult with the public in the preparation of Noise Action Plans (NAPs). These action plans are designed to manage transport noise issues and effects, including the priority important areas identified for prevention and reduction of environmental noise. 

The EPA provides technical noise guidance on how to prepare the maps and the action plans. The EPA also carries out a review of the annual noise action progress reports that are submitted by the various local authorities and rank their progress nationally.  However, the Regulations do not confer enforcement powers on the EPA in relation to local investigations or the implementation of these plans. For any follow-up on the implementation of a Noise Action Plan, you would need to engage with your relevant local authority.

The process for developing the next round of noise action plans, which must be published by 18 August 2024, has commenced. As part of this process the local authority are required to consult with the public on the revision of their action plan during 2024.

The Citizen Information website has a section on noise pollution and complaints, including some information on noise from transport.

In the first instance, you should contact the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). The DAA have a complaints procedure on their website. The DAA can also be contacted using their dedicated free phone noise complaints helpline on 1800 200 034.

The DAA has a noise complaint procedure on its website, which outlines how a noise complaint can be made and how it is investigated.

The DAA operate a Noise and Flight Track Analyst to investigate each complaint individually to determine whether an aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor. The corridors are the designated airspace that aircraft using the runways at Dublin Airport are expected to fly within.

If it is concluded that an aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor, then a letter is sent to the complainant confirming this, and details of the breach are then sent to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA-ANSP) for further investigation. The result of the IAA-ANSP investigation is conveyed to the DAA Noise and Flight Track Analyst, and a letter is then sent to the complainant regarding the results of the IAA-ANSP’s investigation.

Using WebTrak, you can track the flight activity in to and out of Dublin Airport, along with information about each aircraft.

Information on the roles of the various competent authorities is provided below.  

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA)              

The DAA has numerous policies and procedures in place in dealing with different elements of noise around the airport. Dublin Airport have their own WebTrak Flight Monitoring System, which allows members of the public to monitor flights and submit noise complaints.

The Dublin Airport complaints procedure allows for an investigation by their Noise and Flight Track Analyst into any given complaint to determine whether and aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor. For more information, see Dublin Airport Noise.

Air Nav Ireland

Air Nav Ireland oversee all aircraft arriving and departing Dublin Airport. Air Nav Ireland provides air traffic control services in Ireland and controls the routes that aircraft follow.

Air traffic management plays a vital role not only in delivering a safe and cost-efficient air navigation services, but also in minimising the adverse effects of civil aviation, notably aircraft noise and engine emissions. The Flight Track Monitoring Service of DAA regularly meet with Air Nav Ireland to carry out a review of aircraft movements in the vicinity of the airport. Further information is available on the Air Nav Ireland website.

Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA)

The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) has the responsibility of ensuring that noise generated by aircraft at Dublin Airport is assessed in accordance with EU and Irish Legislation. ANCA monitors compliance with noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions at Dublin Airport. Where a noise problem is identified, ANCA ensures that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) balanced approach to aircraft noise management is adopted. For more information see Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) Fingal County Council.

The ANCA Aircraft Noise Mitigation report for Dublin Airport explains the various steps surrounding aircraft noise mitigation along with the different roles the associated competent authorities play in maintaining such procedures. The report Aircraft Noise Mitigation at Dublin Airport also gives relevant competent authority contact details.

According to the ANCA, any aircraft noise complaints should continue to be made to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). 

Fingal County Council

Fingal County Council are responsible for any planning-related matters at the airport. This can include enforcement actions if the airport authorities are deemed to breach existing planning conditions.

Fingal County Council is also responsible for developing the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP), as is required under the Environmental Noise Regulations. The NAP is designed to manage noise issues and effects associated with Dublin Airport, and, where necessary, present measures to reduce the adverse effects of aviation noise where practical.  A 6-8 week public consultation phase on the draft NAP will be undertaken by Fingal County Council.

An Bord Pleanála

The North Runway was originally granted planning permission in August 2007 by An Bórd Pleanála (to be renamed an Coimisiún Pleanála), subject to conditions that include limitations on night-time use of both the new North Runway and Dublin Airport as a whole. In December 2020, the DAA submitted a planning application to modify conditions associated with the new North Runway.

The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) carried out a detailed noise impact assessment of Dublin Airport’s proposals and made a Draft Regulatory Decision in 2021. The Draft Regulatory Decision proposed the introduction of noise mitigation measures to ensure that issues of concern identified in the assessment can be managed in both the short and longer term.

In August 2022, the planning permission was approved by Fingal County Council. The decision allows for new rules around night-time flights to come into effect at Dublin Airport, as put forward by the ANCA. Fingal County Council's decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. It is expected that an appeal decision will be issued by An Bord Pleanála in 2024.

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2018, as amended. This includes supervisory and advisory functions in relation to strategic noise mapping and noise action planning (every 5 years) for major roads, major rail, major airports, and for large agglomerations (Dublin, Cork & Limerick).

The principal stakeholders in Round 4 mapping are the Noise Mapping Bodies (NMBs) which included the local authorities and the DAA. Further information on noise mapping and action plans is available on the EPA website.

The Round 4 Strategic Noise Maps are published at EPA Maps. Airport maps are also available on the DAA website. The Round 4 noise maps are based on 2021 data ,as required by the legislation and guidance from the European Environment Agency, and therefore do not include the new airport runway, which commenced operations in August 2022.

The Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP) is due to be published in January 2025, and there will be a public consultation phase in 2024. The EPA provides technical noise guidance on how to prepare the maps and action plans.

The EPA does not have an enforcement role in relation to noise emissions arising from the operation of Dublin Airport. However, the EPA provides noise complaints section on their website. This section outlines the different types of noise complaints and provides links to the relevant competent authorities.

 

 

Fingal County Council are responsible for any planning-related matters at the airport. This can include enforcement actions where the airport authorities are deemed to be in breach of existing planning conditions. Fingal County Council is also responsible for developing the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP). The NAP is designed to manage noise issues and effects associated with Dublin Airport and, where necessary, to identify measures to reduce the harmful effects of aviation noise where practical.

The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) monitors, and, where necessary, regulates the management of aircraft noise in the communities around Dublin Airport. ANCA is a separate and independent directorate within Fingal County Council. ANCA monitors compliance with noise mitigation (improvement) measures and any operating restrictions at Dublin Airport. When a noise problem is identified, ANCA will ensure that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) balanced approach to aircraft noise management is adopted.

A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) is a policy objective for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is an objective to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible with regards to noise. An NAO may be used to guide the decisions that are needed by the ANCA to manage the aircraft noise aspects of future aircraft operations at Dublin airport.

In the first instance, you should contact the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). The DAA have a complaints procedure on their website. The DAA can also be contacted using their dedicated free phone noise complaints helpline on 1800 200 034. 

Each complaint is assessed by the DAA’s Noise and Flight Track Analyst to determine whether an aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor. These corridors define the airspace aircraft are expected to use when operating at Dublin Airport.  

If a breach is identified, the complainant is notified, and the details are referred to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAAANSP) for further investigation. The outcome of that investigation is then communicated to the complainant by the DAA. 

Flight activity to and from Dublin Airport can also be viewed using WebTrak, which provides information on individual aircraft. 

Further details on how airport complaints can be made and are investigated can be found on the DAA’s website. 

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA)

The DAA manages aircraft noise at Dublin Airport and operates the WebTrak Flight Monitoring System, which allows the public to track flights, and to submit noise complaints. Complaints are investigated by the DAA Noise and Flight Track Analyst to determine whether an aircraft has breached the environmental noise corridor. 

Air Nav Ireland 

Air Nav Ireland provides air traffic control services in Ireland and manages the routes aircraft follow when arriving at and departing from Dublin Airport. It works with the DAA to review aircraft movements and minimise the environmental impacts of aviation, including noise. 

Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) 

ANCA is responsible for assessing aircraft noise at Dublin Airport in line with EU and Irish legislation. It monitors compliance with noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions and applies the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) balanced approach to aircraft noise management. Aircraft noise complaints should continue to be made to the DAA. 

Fingal County Council 

Fingal County Council is responsible for airport related planning matters, including enforcement of planning conditions. It also prepares the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP) under the Environmental Noise Regulations, including public consultation on draft plans. 

An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bórd Pleanála) 

An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for the North Runway in 2007, subject to conditions including limits on nighttime use. Changes to these conditions were assessed by ANCA, approved by Fingal County Council in 2022, and where then appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.  A government decision on whether to end the Dublin Airport passenger cap (32 million) is still under discussion. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

The EPA oversees implementation of the Environmental Noise Regulations and provides guidance on noise mapping and Noise Action Plans for major transport sources. It reviews and publishes noise maps and annual progress reports, but its legislative remit does not include the enforcement of airport noise controls or other types of traffic noise. The EPA website provides guidance and links to the relevant authorities for addressing these noise complaints. 

Fingal County Council is responsible for planning related matters at Dublin Airport, including enforcement where planning conditions are breached. It also prepares the Dublin Airport Noise Action Plan (NAP), which aims to manage airport related noise and identify practical measures to reduce its harmful effects. 

The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is an independent directorate within Fingal County Council responsible for monitoring and regulating aircraft noise around Dublin Airport. ANCA oversees compliance with noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions and applies the ICAO balanced approach where noise issues arise.  

A Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) sets out a policy objective for managing aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. It aims to ensure that airport growth occurs in a sustainable manner and guides ANCA’s decisions on future aircraft operations at Dublin Airport. ANCA have recently developed an SEA Scoping report in relation to their proposed amendment to the NAO. 

Environmental noise is "unwanted sound" arising from all areas of human activity, such as noise from transport, industrial, and recreational activities. Excessive noise can:

• seriously harm human health, including mental health.
• interfere with people’s daily activities at school, at work, at home, and during leisure time.
• disrupt sleep, cause cardiovascular and psychophysiological effects.
• lower performance, lead to annoyance responses, and changes in social behaviour.

In Ireland, general noise complaints typically fall under four main categories:

• entertainment.
• domestic/neighbourhood noise.
• industrial/commercial activities.
• transport-related noise.

You can find information on the EPA website, including the Noise and Health factsheet and the Noise and Your Health page.

There is also relevant information in the State of the Environment Report, Chapter 3: Environmental Noise.

There are options available if you are affected by noise nuisance. The procedures below apply to common neighbourhood noise issues, such as persistent noise from nearby homes, workshops, or local businesses.

When can I take action?

You can take action if noise is so loud, continuous, frequent, or occurs at times or pitches that reasonably cause annoyance.

What action can I take?

You should first try to resolve the issue informally by speaking with the person or business causing the noise. If this fails, you can:

• Contact your local authority about neighbourhood noise issues.
• Complaints about privately rented accommodation should be raised with the landlord, and with the city or county council in the case of local authority housing. 
• Contact the EPA for complaints relating to EPA-licensed activities or traffic- related noise from major infrastructure.
• The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 179 of 1994) provide a straightforward way for individuals or groups to seek redress through the Courts. 
• In some specific cases, make a formal section 108 complaint to the District Court seeking an order to address the nuisance. Application forms are available from the District Court office. 

Initially, it may be sufficient to explain to the dog owner causing the noise that it's a nuisance and come to some mutually acceptable understanding and a solution. 

However, persistent problems arising from barking dogs are covered under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 & 1992.  A copy of the form used for complaints to the courts about noise from dogs is available from your local authority (city or council). 

Any event, such as a concert or festival, would normally require planning permission. However, in some cases, a particular venue may have prior approval to stage a set number of concerts/events per annum.  The appropriate local authority (city or county council) should be contacted in relation to any noise complaints for these planned events.

A small proportion of people are disturbed by low frequency sound, which is typically described as something like a low rumble. For those people who are affected, they can be severely distressed. Sometimes the complaint can be traced to a sound source, typically an industrial site, or an adjoining property. If the source can be found, then there is a chance the noise can be controlled.

In the first instance, you should contact your local authority. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) provide contact details for all local authorities on the gov.ie website. The local authority can advise whether a road traffic noise complaint falls within their responsibility.

If the issue relates to a national road or motorway, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which manages this network, may be able to advise on any planned works or noise monitoring data. Contact details and noise maps are available on the TII website. 

TII is also responsible for preparing strategic noise maps for major national roads carrying more than 3 million vehicles per year and for light rail lines (Luas). 

Road traffic noise complaints are mainly handled by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and local authorities. TII manages motorways and national roads, while local authorities are responsible for regional, public, and local roads. Each has different roles under the Environmental Noise Regulations. 

When you contact your local authority, they will record the complaint and decide whether it should be addressed by the local authority, TII, or both. In some cases, environmental sections handle these noise complaints, while roads sections might also be involved in dealing with traffic-related noise issues. 

If a noise problem area is identified as a Priority Important Area (PIA) in the local authority Noise Action Plan, the relevant local authority would be responsible for addressing it. Noise Action Plans should be available on the local authority website.  Local authorities are legally obliged to develop cost-effective noise reduction measures and may work with other bodies, such as TII, where necessary on more complex issues around mitigation of environmental noise.