The City of Dublin and adjoining councils have produced a noise action plan for 2024 - 28 in line with requirements of the Environmental Noise Directive (END). The action plan is underpinned by a noise policy statement pledging a strategic approach to managing environmental noise (noise from transport and industrial sources). The principles of the statement are prevention of increasing the number of people exposed to undesirable levels of noise; protection of quiet and tranquil areas and mitigation of noise levels where they are potentially harmful. The plan reports the findings of noise mapping for roads, rail and industrial activity including strategic ports. The maps have been used to identify priority areas for noise management and Candidate Quiet Areas where preservation of environmental noise quality will be considered. In acknowledging that most complaints about noise are usually related to local issues, such as noises caused by neighbours, entertainment or construction, Dublin City Council's section of the plan includes measures to address noise issues covered by local noise nuisances and complaints along with planning and development issues in addition to those noise sources covered by the END.
The END aims towards a European wide system for identifying sources of environmental noise, informing the public about relevant noise data and taking the necessary steps to avoid, prevent or reduce noise exposure.
