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 TypeResponsible Authority

Barsnightclubs 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 TypeResponsible 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 TypeResponsible 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, generatorsmobile units (e.g., mobile generators, etc.)

Local Authority

 

 

Transport
Example of Complaint TypeResponsible 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 TypeResponsible Authority
Crow gunbangers, 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 Dept 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.