Noise pollution is considered a continuous, repeated or loud noise coming from a home, workplace or local business. If such noise is at times and a duration that affects the quality of life of any person, it is considered a noise nuisance.
Irish law legislates for noise pollution. The specific section of the law governing this area includes Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and the Environmental Protection Agency Act (Noise) Regulations 1994 (SI No 179 of 1994). The ENFO website gives excellent and comprehensive information on the legislation pertaining to noise and noise nuisance.
While the law does not specifically mention an exact noise level or standard that is considered illegal, it is clear that if neighbourhood noise is affecting the quality of life of a citizen, then that citizen has a right to complain.
Laois County Council deal with noise complaints from commercial and industrial activities, but it is not the policy of Laois County Council to become involved with noise complaints between neighbours. The County Council encourages the affected person to approach the person causing the noise nuisance, and explain that it is a burden and try to come to a mutually acceptable solution. If this fails, the affected person can make a formal complaint to the District Court. Guidance on how to go about this is available through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/make-a-noise-nuisance-complaint/ and also in this ENFO Guidance Note.