Environmental noise can be defined as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise from transport sources and from industry.
The aim of the Environmental Noise Directive (END)(2002/48/EC) is to ‘define a common approach intended to avoid, prevent, or reduce on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise’.
The END was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 140/2006) (the ‘Regulations’). The Regulations were revised by the European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 549/2018) and the European Communities (Environmental Noise)(Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 663/2021).
The Regulations require Strategic Noise Maps and Noise Action Plans to be made or revised every five years.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the designated noise mapping body for national roads and prepared strategic noise maps for the major national roads in Galway City.
Galway City Council is designated a Noise Mapping Body for the purpose of making and approving strategic noise maps for major non-national roads in Galway City.
Galway City Council is also designated an Action Planning Authority with responsibility for the preparation of a Noise Action Plan for Galway City.
The Noise Action Plan has been informed by and is based on the Strategic Noise Maps which covers road transport noise from major roads with traffic volumes of more than 3 million vehicles per year. The plan does not cover noise that is caused by the exposed person, noise from domestic activities, noise created by neighbours, noise at workplaces or noise inside means of transport or due to military activities in military areas.
The Noise Action Plan was screened for both Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). The screenings concluded that both an SEA and an AA were not required. Determinations for both have been prepared.
A copy of the Galway City Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 and the Round 4 Strategic Noise Maps 2022 can be viewed using the links below. Copies of the SEA and AA Screening Reports together with the Determinations for each are also provide in separate links.
Documents
Round 4 Strategic Noise Maps 2022