The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., has announced that he has approved the designation of 8 'Quiet Areas' in Dublin City for protection against increased levels of environmental noise.

The designation was made on foot of a proposal made to the Minister by Dublin City Council under the Environmental Noise Regulations (S.I. No. 140 of 2006) and following consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Environmental Noise Regulations aim to mitigate unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity. A two-stage approach to the assessment and management of environmental noise is provided for in the Regulations.

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Noise mapping authorities must undertake noise mapping of infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large cities, major roads, railways and airports. Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, noise action plans are prepared by local authorities for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise.

Minister Hogan said: "Noise is an unwanted disturbance that negatively impacts on quality of life and may have a detrimental effect on peoples’ health and well-being. For this reason it is important that our green spaces and sea frontage are preserved and safeguarded from environmental noise. These areas are important public amenities where people go for relaxation and quiet reflection away from the noisy hustle and bustle of urban life. The Quiet Area designation will help to ensure that these spaces can continue to be enjoyed by present and future generations."

(CD/IT)