More than 1m Irish people exposed to harmful transport noise, report finds
More than 1.1 million Irish people are exposed to high levels of transport noise that exceed thresholds set under EU reporting rules and which harm health, a five-year review of noise pollution across Europe has found.
The
environmental noise in Europe 2025
report from the
European Environment Agency
(EEA) concludes 1.14 million Irish people were exposed to unsafe noise levels, with just over 1 million related to road traffic, 92,700 related to rail and 13,400 related to airport flights.
The figures from 2021-2022 are likely to be an underestimate, according to noise experts.
More than 20 per cent of Europeans – 110 million people – are exposed to high levels of transport noise, says the report published on Tuesday. It calls for stronger action at EU and national levels to address the problem.
READ MORE
Progress in decreasing exposure to harmful levels of noise has been slow, the EEA says. Long-term exposure to transport noise is linked to a wide range of negative impacts on health
including cardiovascular diseases, mental illness, diabetes and premature death.
The report says children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to noise effects. Based on new research, noise exposure in children contributes to reading impairment, behavioural problems and obesity.
Dr Eoin King, a noise specialist based at the University of Galway, said the level of noise exposure being experienced by more than one million Irish people is at a level that both the EU and World Health Organisation would consider damaging to health.
Given when data was compiled and how the report is put together using 'noise maps' and targeted at large cities and extremely busy roads, levels were likely to be 'an underprediction'. This was especially in relation to aviation and
Dublin Airport
in particular, he said.
[
'We're blasted out of it': Living under Dublin Airport's flight paths
Opens in new window
]
The noise map for Dublin Airport was 'not up to par', he said, because flight paths were incorrect while the noise was averaged out over a longer time period rather than a measure of intermittent noise associated with flights. 'This doesn't capture the true impact on people,' Dr King said.
He hoped more progressive noise indicators would be used at the airport.
'Noise policy in Ireland is nowhere near where it should be,' he added. This had been recognised by the EPA and in a study by UCD and the ESRI, which found noise was more impactful on the Irish population than air quality.
Dr King said there was a lack of public awareness of the health implications and 'little political will to do something about noise'.
[
Dublin Airport has not addressed effects of noise on people living near flight paths, warns sleep expert
Opens in new window
]
There was no legal noise limit in Ireland, while the EU was hesitant about applying a European noise limit 'because countries like Ireland are so far behind. So all it can do is guide policy'.
Local authorities were required to produce noise action plans but for most, this was a box-ticking exercise and the problem came down to a lack of expertise, he said.
Residents living near Dublin Airport welcomed the report as it 'spells out the real cost to the public of noise pollution'. The St Margaret's The Ward group said it highlights in stark terms the impacts on health and wellbeing of people living close to airports.
In April, the group published its own independent report on the health impacts of noise pollution which placed the costs at
€800 million annually
. The EEA report concludes aircraft noise affects about 2.6 million people (day, evening and night) across Europe.
Group spokesman Liam O'Gradaigh said: 'Our own report in April spelled out just what local residents have had to endure through exposure to noise pollution. Now that we have an international watchdog such as the EEA pointing out the real costs across Europe, maybe politicians, policymakers and those driving completely unsustainable growth at Dublin Airport might sit up and pay attention before it is too late.'
Mr O'Gradaigh said the report probably underestimates current aviation impacts as data used stems from the period of the Covid pandemic when aircraft movements plummeted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Blanket bans on smartphones are not the answer
Smartphones and social media are recurring features in the ongoing debates on declining mental health among young people. Earlier this month, the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study reported nearly half of young people 'feel low' at least weekly . Invariably, any discussion on young people's mental health moves quickly to smartphones and social media, and the conclusion that the digital lives of young people are linked to a decline in their happiness. But we may be too quick to jump to conclusions on this. In truth, the evidence is limited. Links between the digital lives of children and adolescents and their mental wellbeing are often based on correlative data with few longitudinal or experimental studies. Studies don't always clearly separate how different types of smartphone or social media use affect young people, and they often don't distinguish between using a phone for learning versus mindlessly scrolling. There are likely positive and negative aspects to online activities, but sweeping conclusions and reactionary policies ignore this important nuance. A lot of the commentary around smartphone use in young people frames it as a post-pandemic problem, with increased screen time and online distractions seen as linked to lockdown-induced dependency. But this ignores digital educational policies established well before the pandemic, which encouraged the use of student-owned devices, particularly to support classroom learning. READ MORE Policy guidance laid important groundwork for the informal incorporation of smartphones into educational settings, particularly in schools where resources are tight and there isn't always access to 1:1 laptop or tablet schemes. Implementation often relied on devices students already owned – in most cases, this meant a smartphone. The increasing presence of smartphones in schools is less a byproduct of the pandemic and more a foreseeable consequence of earlier policy directions that were often reactive and technologically permissive. Media coverage of smartphone use in recent years has focused on, and often celebrated, more restrictive responses. Sweden, for example, has moved towards banning smartphones in primary classrooms, aligning with broader efforts to refocus on traditional forms of learning. Minister for Education Helen McEntee recently issued circulars requiring schools to implement a policy to restrict the use of, and access to, personal mobile phones by students for the duration of the school day at post primary level and a full ban at primary level. In 2024, the Australian government passed a new law which introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on some social media platforms. Controversially, parents cannot give their consent to under-16s to use these platforms, marking a new departure in terms of parents' rights. At a surface level, such actions offer clear, decisive action in the face of complex technological challenges, and resonate with public anxieties about youth wellbeing. But they're fraught with practical, human rights and ethical implications. Age verification systems can be circumvented and bans also risk pushing young users on to less-regulated platforms or creating generational disconnects in digital literacy. Blanket bans on smartphones, social media access and other digital activities overlook both the complexity of the issues and the realities of young people's lives. Restrictive policies and a one-size-fits-all approach may inadvertently exacerbate inequalities. Mobile devices and social media can serve as essential tools for safety, communication and family co-ordination, especially for older adolescents needing greater independence. Digital tools such as the language-learning app Duolingo, interactive Stem app Brilliant and online chess have opened up access to educational and enrichment opportunities that were once limited to wealthier families. These tools can give children from lower-income households a chance to learn languages, engage in advanced problem-solving, and develop critical-thinking skills. While regulatory efforts may form part of a broader digital policy toolkit, bans alone are a blunt instrument and probably ineffective. They do little to address the underlying needs that drive youth engagement with smartphones; the human desire for social connection, access to information and autonomy. So what can we do? A more effective response must be holistic: combining regulation with education, digital literacy and the co-creation of safe digital spaces that support both protection and participation. Collective action and voluntary agreements among parents of primary schoolchildren to delay children's access to smartphones can play an important role. The 'no smartphone' initiatives seen in parts of Ireland are a promising grassroots approach to addressing concerns around digital overexposure, cyberbullying and mental health. These agreements can help to reduce peer pressure and create a more uniform standard that benefits all children. Ideally, they should begin during primary school when habits and digital behaviours are still forming. Early implementation not only delays premature exposure to potentially harmful online environments, but also lays the groundwork for more responsible and mindful smartphone use in adolescence, supported by ongoing digital literacy education and parental involvement. Investment in education-based initiatives, such as the Webwise programme, can empower young people and their families to navigate the digital world safely. Safer Internet Day, which is held annually in more than 180 countries, presents a valuable opportunity to promote responsible online behaviour through schools and community engagement. Acceptable use policies, widely used across educational contexts, also present significant potential as instruments for guiding responsible smartphone and social media engagement among young people and advancing digital wellbeing. Of course we need to implement stronger regulations for the technology sector, including setting quality standards for children's content, controlling data extraction and algorithms and enforcing stricter privacy laws. But technology is part of contemporary life, and it is continuously evolving. Simply trying to ban it won't work. Policymakers must adopt a flexible approach that maximises its benefits while safeguarding young people from potential risks. Selina McCoy is professor in Sociology at the Economic and Social Research Institute and Ann Marcus-Quinn is associate professor in Technical Communication at the University of Limerick
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Uniphar ‘needs up to €150m of deals' to hit growth target
Uniphar , the Dublin-listed diversified healthcare services group, will need to spend as much as €150 million on mergers and acquisitions to reach its medium-term earnings target, according to Deutsche Numis. The brokerage has also downgraded its rating on the stock, from buy to hold, on valuation grounds following a surge in the share price this year. The stock is up 73 per cent so far this year, making it by far the top-performing stock on the Iseq All-Share index. Uniphar's management, led by chief executive Ger Rabbette, expects to double earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) to €200 million between 2022 and 2028. That is 'achievable, albeit challenging', said Deutsche analyst Kane Slutzkin in a report on the group. The consensus view among analysts is that Uniphar's Ebitda will reach €170 million by then, based on estimates for organic growth. The balance will have to be delivered by better-than-expected organic earnings growth and merger and acquisition (M&A) deals. READ MORE Uniphar will need to spend €120 million to €150 million on prudently priced deals to reach the earnings goal, Deutsche said. The company would also need to see growth pick up in its supply chain and retail division, following a period of investment, it said. This includes 445 company-owned and franchised pharmacies operating under the Allcare, McCauley, Life and Hickey's brands. It has a 28 per cent share of the Irish market. Its wholesale business has a 54 per cent market share. 'A core part of our investment thesis has been the quality of the supply chain and retail business, which we believe the market had been slow to appreciate, as it consistently beat the company's low-single-digit organic [earnings growth] guidance,' said Mr Slutzkin in the report. Uniphar would also need to sustain mid-teen percentage organic earnings growth in its pharma division, which works with drugmakers and biotech companies to bring innovative medicines to global markets and provides healthcare professionals with access to medicines they cannot source through traditional channels. Deutsche said that Uniphar's other division, which distributes medical technology products across Europe, as the group's 'highest-quality' unit. 'Gaining share in existing markets, growing the basket of products per customer and expanding and leveraging its existing geographic footprint are the key drivers of high-single-digit organic growth expectations [over the medium term],' Mr Slutzkin said. Uniphar, which floated in Dublin six years ago, said in a trading update last month that it has had a 'good start' to this year, following a 6.4 per cent increase in Ebitda last year, to €123.5 million. A pharmacy brokerage business, Thera Pharmaceuticals, started a High Court case last month against Uniphar, claiming it is breaching an agreement and abusing its dominant position in the market. Uniphar has strongly rejected the claims. Thera is part of the Navi Group, which Uniphar had agreed to buy in 2021, but was blocked from completing by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Thera provides infrastructure allowing pharmacies to buy products from wholesalers.
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Dublin nursing home resident brings High Court damages case over alleged treatment
A resident of a north Dublin nursing home criticised in an RTÉ documentary over inadequate workforce levels and poor practices has initiated a High Court damages case arising from his alleged treatment in the home. Solicitor Thomas Loomes confirmed to The Irish Times on Tuesday he has issued proceedings on behalf of Patrick Manley against Emeis Ireland, owner of the First Care Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin. The proceedings will be served on the defendant this week, Mr Toomes said. His client had been treated 'appallingly', the solicitor said, but declined to give further details of the case at this stage. It is understood the claim includes for damages for alleged negligence, degrading treatment and breach of human rights and statutory duty. READ MORE Beneavin Manor can provide care for up to 115 adults for about €1,400 per week with Fair Deal funding, a State support system that helps cover the cost of nursing-home care based on a person's income and assets. Beneavin Manor and The Residence, Portlaoise, also operated by Emeis Ireland, previously known as Orpea, were subject of an undercover investigation by the RTÉ Investigates team. A documentary screened earlier this month exposed several examples of care failings. Emeis Ireland has apologised to residents and their families for the distress caused by the failings identified and said it has initiated an in-depth review to immediately address all issues identified. [ Almost 200 notifications alleging abuse of residents in nursing home at centre of safeguarding controversy Opens in new window ] In response to concerns raised by some whistleblowers, RTÉ Investigates had two undercover researchers apply for and secure healthcare assistant roles at the Emeis homes. They both had the required qualifications and were Garda vetted by RTÉ. Despite regulations stating nursing homes must provide opportunities for residents to engage in activities, the programme alleged this rarely happened on the floor where RTÉ's carer worked. The programme reported RTÉ also witnessed inappropriate handling of vulnerable residents with frail older people sometimes moved by their clothing instead of handling equipment as mandated in their care plans. Other concerns included about the adequacy of supplies of essential resources for staff, including towels, bedsheets, sanitary wipes and gloves. After handing in their notice, the undercover researchers reported their concerns to management at the nursing homes and to the regulatory body, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa). Hiqa, which in November 2024 gave the nursing home a positive report following an inspection, told RTÉ that both nursing homes have set out compliance plans to address issues at their homes. An interim report from Hiqa into the two nursing homes which featured in the RTÉ Investigates programme was published earlier this month. It reported 198 notifications of an 'allegation, suspected or confirmed of abuse to a resident' in the Beneavin Manor home since 2022. The report said a high number of notifications 'does not necessarily indicate a non-compliant service, and often means a strong culture of recognising and submitting incidents which fall into the required notification categories'. The types of notifications, known as 'NF06' notifications, are required 'where there is a suspicion or allegation of abuse, which may or may not be substantiated, and can include a wide range of incidents such as residents' altercations with other residents, the tone that someone is spoken to, through to more significant suspicions or allegations'.
