Noise control. Ombudsman presents Thematic Report

The Ombudsman has published a Thematic Report on noise control which identifies the main problems found and presents a set of recommendations on an issue which, despite its significant impact on public health and quality of life in Portugal, is often undervalued by the public authorities, which contributes to a certain lack of civic awareness of the issue.

Under the motto “Noise control: Planning, managing and raising awareness”, the document identifies shortcomings in compliance with legal acoustic planning obligations, particularly in the case of large transport infrastructures, an omission that continues to expose thousands of people to harmful noise levels. It also points out shortcomings in the licensing of noisy activities and an excessively tolerant attitude on the part of the authorities towards offences.

The report ends with a set of concrete recommendations addressed to the central state, local authorities and other entities with responsibility in this area.

These include a call for the process of approving and implementing a National Strategy for Environmental Noise to be finalised, for more active municipal inspections, for schools to be involved in raising awareness among the school community and for investment in the acoustic comfort of buildings.

Although aimed primarily at the competent authorities, the report also aims to reach citizens, emphasising the importance of information and awareness of the risks of noise and the forms of protection available against what is now considered the second biggest environmental risk factor for health in Europe.

The full report can be read here [In Portuguese only].