Health experts want laws to bring down the noise levels in nightclubs and music bars.
The demand for new laws governing sound levels follows a Western Health Board investigation which found that noise levels in bars and nightclubs in the region were well in excess of guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
There are no laws governing the level at which music can be played in bars and nightclubs in this country.
The World Health Organisation say that noise levels should always be below 110 decibels in workplaces. The organisation has warned that exposure to even 105 decibels for five minutes a day is a serious risk to hearing.
The Western Health Board found that 86 per cent of nightclubs and 71 per cent of music bars had noise levels above the recommended maximum of 110 decibels. In the worst case, one nightclub was found to have noise levels of 113 decibels. According to scientists, this volume can damage unprotected ears in a matter of 56 seconds. The Western Health Board say that sound limits need to be imposed across the country. In Galway, club owners agree with the recommendations but,
It's unlikely that discos without loud music will be a hit with people planning a night on the town.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 February 2002. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
