Noise Action Plan
The Environmental Noise Directive (END) (EU Directive 2002/49/EC) requires local authorities to prepare strategic noise maps and Noise Action Plans for Major Roads, Rail, Airports and Industrial Estates within Agglomerations. The Noise Action Plans will include measures to 'address priorities which may be identified by the exceeding of any relevant limit value or by other criteria chosen by the Member State and apply in particular to the most important areas as established by strategic noise mapping'.
A revision of these maps and plans is required every 5 years.
The Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2028 may be viewed here.
Noise Control
The work of Noise Control is carried out by the Environmental Health team and includes:-
- Investigation of Noise Pollution complaints
- Monitoring of environmental noise and enforcement of noise control legislation
- Provision of expertise on an ongoing basis to other services and departments in South Dublin County Council
Real time noise measurements
You can view real time noise measurements from our network of ten sound level meters across South Dublin. You can look at daily and hourly noise levels, and weather information for each day.
View live readings from sound level monitors in the SDCC area
Air Quality Monitoring
The work of the Air Quality Monitoring is carried out by the Environmental Health team and includes:-
- Investigation of Air Pollution complaints and enforcement of air pollution control legislation
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Provision of expertise on an ongoing basis to other services and departments in South Dublin County Council
Real time Air Quality Measurements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Local Authorities, have implemented the Ambient Air Monitoring Programme with comprises of a network of 96 monitoring stations strategically positioned across the country measuring ‘real-time’ concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (further information available at: www.airquality.ie ). At present, there are two Air Monitoring Stations operational in South Dublin County. The results of this monitoring can be found online in real-time.
The two Air Monitoring Stations in South Dublin County Council are positioned at the following locations:
- Station 1 which is located on the Old Bawn Road, Tallaght –
https://airquality.ie/station/EPA-44
- Station 2 which is located on the Adamstown Road, Lucan –
https://airquality.ie/station/EPA-108
Both stations monitor the levels of PM10, PM2.5 and Nitrogen Dioxide in the area.
Air Pollutants
- Particulate matter
Particulate matter consists of very small particles which can be solid or liquid. Some of these particles occur naturally, and many are man-made. Particulate matter is referred to as PM with a number after it to show how small the PM is, e.g. PM10 and PM2.5
The main source of fine particulate matter in Ireland is from the burning of solid fuel to heat homes. Burning solid fuel in stoves and especially in open fires is an inefficient process – not all the solid fuel is fully burned. These unburnt particles leave the fireplace or stove by the chimney, or directly into the room they are heating. Other sources include, tobacco smoke, dust from construction sites, construction equipment.
When inhaled, the particles can evade the body’s natural defence system and lodge in the lungs. Symptoms of exposure include a sore throat, persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Depending on exposure, PM can increase the number of asthma attacks experienced by asthma sufferers and aggravate the symptoms of bronchitis. Children, the elderly and those already suffering with breathing difficulties are at greatest risk from exposure to PM.
- Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides – or NOX – are the gases nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Both of these are pollutants that are emitted in ambient air when petrol or diesel is burned in internal combustion engines. NO2 is more important from an ambient air quality perspective due to its increased impact on health.
In terms of ambient air quality, the main source of NO2 in Ireland is from road transport. Diesel engine vehicles produce more NO2 than petrol vehicles.