The one-day summit is being delivered through a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD) and the University of Galway, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Noise 2050 Research Project. 

Bringing together public authorities, researchers, policymakers, engineers, consultants and industry stakeholders, the summit will provide a focused national forum to address how environmental noise is monitored, managed and mitigated in Ireland, and how it affects public health and quality of life. 

Addressing a growing environmental and public health issue

Environmental noise is increasingly recognised as a significant challenge linked to transport systems, urban growth and emerging technologies. Noise Summit Ireland 2026 will examine the current state of environmental noise in Ireland, including regulatory frameworks, monitoring approaches, noise mapping and exposure assessment, as well as evidence-based mitigation strategies for road, rail and aviation noise. 

The summit will also explore future challenges such as electric vehicles, drones and heat pumps, and the need to better integrate noise considerations into urban and transport planning. 

International keynote speaker

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Kerstin Persson Waye, Professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and a leading international authority on noise and health. 

Professor Persson Waye has contributed widely to global policy and research, including work with the World Health Organization’s guideline group for noise criteria and the Canadian Council of Academies expert panel on wind turbines and health. She currently serves as Vice President for Europe and Africa of the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE). 

Her keynote lecture, A life course perspective on a healthy sound environment, will set the context for the day’s discussions by examining how sound environments influence health across different stages of life. 

Panel discussions and expert insight

The programme includes two moderated panel sessions designed to promote exchange across sectors. 

Panel A: Environmental Noise in Ireland will feature speakers from leading Irish organisations who are directly engaged in noise management and policy. Contributions will come from the Environmental Protection Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Limerick City and County Council, and Amplitude Acoustics, with the panel moderated by Gary Duffy of Enfonic. Speakers will examine current challenges, recent developments and priorities for environmental noise management at national and local level. 

Panel B: Noise 2050 - Looking forward will focus on future pathways and professional perspectives. The session will introduce the Noise 2050 Project, presented by the project coordinator Dr John Kennedy of Trinity College Dublin, followed by contributions from Engineers Ireland and the Institute of Acoustics and Association of Acoustic Consultants of Ireland. 

Breakout sessions and collaborative discussion

A central feature of the summit is a series of interactive breakout sessions designed to encourage practical discussion and shared learning. Participants will have the opportunity to join one of three facilitated sessions: 

  • The Future Noise Environment, examining emerging noise sources and how current strategies can evolve to meet future demands 
  • Citizen Science and Future Noise Monitoring, focusing on community-led monitoring, data quality and public engagement 
  • Interventions for a Healthy Environment, exploring mitigation measures, innovative solutions and coordination across sectors 

Each session will conclude with a round-up, where facilitators will share highlights and actionable ideas with the wider audience. 

Strong academic leadership

The summit will open with remarks from Dr Eoin King of the University of Galway and close with reflections from Dr Enda Murphy of University College Dublin, highlighting the cross-institutional leadership underpinning the event. 

For Trinity College Dublin, Noise Summit Ireland 2026 reflects the School of Engineering’s ongoing commitment to research-informed policy, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with national environmental challenges. The summit also showcases Trinity’s role within the Noise 2050 Research Project, which aims to support long-term, evidence-based approaches to managing environmental noise in Ireland. 

Event details

Noise Summit Ireland 2026 
Date: Friday 29 May 2026 
Time: 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. 
Venue: University of Galway, Biz Hub 

Registration is now open, with early registration closing on 6 May 2026. You can register via this link or by using the button below.