Speaker
Description
Technological advancements are reshaping environmental noise environments, with emerging sources such as electric vehicles and drones increasingly present in urban areas. In this context, the EPA-funded Noise 2050 project in Ireland explores future noise environments towards 2050 and how to prepare for emerging challenges. To support this objective, Ireland’s first National Noise Summit was organised, bringing together stakeholders from government, research, consultancy, infrastructure and industry. In advance of the event, participants completed a structured questionnaire addressing current noise challenges, key barriers, priority emerging sources, and future challenges. Transport noise remains the dominant concern, while emerging technologies and energy-related sources are expected to increase future noise complexity. Key barriers relate mainly to governance and implementation capacity. Findings suggest that future noise challenges are shaped by both source diversity and policy constraints. The survey informed summit discussions and provides insights into future environmental noise challenges in Ireland and informs the strategic direction of the Noise 2050 project.