In responding to a consultation on revised guidance for assessing environmental noise - the IOA Ireland branch commend the EPA for providing a comprehensive Draft NG-4 guidance document. The committee comment that the document should be technically accurate, practical, applicable and serve as a robust approach to environmental noise assessment. Specific points raised include the use of Smartphone apps in noise assessment - as they do not meet instrumentation requirements. The inclusion of increased competency requirements are welcomed. 

The Secretary of State for Transport,  Heidi Alexander MP, has said she is "minded to approve" the operation of a second runway at Gatwick airport, however a final decision is being delayed to allow some additional time to seek views from all parties on planning provisions.  The  Planning Inspectorate initially advised against approval, however measures to address noise and surface transport problems have been put forward to manage the issues identified.  The deadline for a final decision is October 27th.