Noise crackdown could give gardaí power to break into homes

GARDAÍ could be given new powers to break into houses and cars to turn off alarms as part of a Government crackdown on noise pollution.

They will also be given the same powers as local authorities to impose on-the-spot fines for rowdy tenants and householders under the new proposals.

While admitting the move to allow gardaí to break into houses is draconian, Environment Minister John Gormley said the option was being seriously considered as a way to tackle noise pollution.