Carrying out noisy garden tasks during certain hours could result in a significant fine
Mowing the grass with a lawnmower in her yard(Image: Olga Rolenko)
The chilly and damp conditions are at last beginning to lift now that meteorological spring has commenced, ushering in milder temperatures and sunnier spells.
This signals it’s time to focus on gardens as they emerge from their lengthy winter slumber, with a fair bit of pruning, clearing and weeding required in preparation for the fresh season.
As a result, it’s time for homes across Ireland to dust off lawn mowers from their winter hibernation and put them into action this month for the year’s first mow of the garden.
Read More: Irish drivers warned of ‘huge fine’ if their shoes don’t have this feature
Read More: Galway town’s water supply improvement works to run for two months
Gardening experts have advised that lawns should typically be cut weekly or fortnightly from March through October to maintain them in prime condition, which will also make them more appealing for our flying friends.
Local authorities have the power to impose fines on residents who cut their grass outside reasonable hours purely on the grounds of noise nuisance. Should a council deem there to be a noise disturbance, they’re entitled to serve a Noise Abatement Notice, which demands the noise ceases during restricted hours.
Irish homes can face penalties for noise pollution if your lawnmowing constitutes a nuisance.
Cutting the grass between 8am and 8pm is typically deemed acceptable during weekdays, as these fall within reasonable hours, whilst at weekends, lawn mowing ought to be confined to between 9am and 7pm.
East Coast Fencing explains: “Most people naturally opt for weekends to complete household and garden chores, including mowing the lawn. However, weekends are also when noise complaints tend to rise as families aim to relax or catch up on sleep. To prevent frustrations, pay extra attention to the timing of your mowing on Saturdays and Sundays.
“On weekdays, acceptable mowing hours typically range from around 8am to 8pm in residential areas. This range takes into account workers who may need to start their lawns early before their workday or later in the evening upon returning home. Weekday allowances are often slightly more flexible compared to weekends.
“During weekends, stricter noise rules may apply due to the majority of residential homes being occupied throughout the day.
For instance, many councils recommend no lawn mowing before 9am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays, with a cut-off time of 7pm. These specific timings may vary depending on local council noise regulations, so checking their advice is strongly recommended.”
Whilst no specific legislation prohibits grass cutting at particular times, gardening specialists advise holding off until after 8am on weekdays, or post-9am at weekends, to steer clear of potential fines for creating a noise disturbance.
Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, warns: “Non-compliance with an abatement notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 (€6,000) for domestic premises. This is not an empty threat – these fines are real, and local authorities do enforce them.”
He elaborates: “There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance.”
Mr McAfee continues: “To be more precise, noise that is excessive, unreasonable, and persistent, particularly during unsociable hours, can result in abatement notices, fines up to £5,000 (€6,000), and in some cases, even prosecution.”
His recommendations include: “Avoid very early or late hours. Generally speaking, it’s safest to operate noisy tools between 9am and 7pm. Notify neighbours in advance of using machinery like hedge trimmers or pressure washers. Opt for quieter tools where possible.
“Limit duration and avoid back-to-back noisy days, especially on weekends. Consider your neighbours’ specific circumstances (e.g., shift workers, infants), and adjust accordingly.”
For all the latest breaking news headlines today, visit our website home page. Join Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Comments are closed.