Dublin couple take Luas to court over noise

A south Dublin couple whose home is close to Luas green line have claimed before the High Court that they have been exposed to a very serious and aggravating noise nuisance on daily basis since the light rail network went operational four years ago.

Paula and Vincent Smyth of Cambridge Terrace, Leeson Park, Dublin 6 have brought proceedings against the Railway Procurement Agency and Veolia Transport Ireland Ltd, who operate the Luas on behalf of the agency, over the noise nuisance to they claim is being caused by the light rail network's trams.

The couple are seeking an injunction direction the defendants to erect an appropriate barrier to reduce the noise nuisance being caused by the operation of the Luas.

They are also seeking injunctions restraining the defendants from operating the Luas in a manner that causes a noise nuisance and to reduce the level of noise. They also seek damages.

The defendants deny the claims, and argue that the operation of the Luas railway system in accordance with the terms of the Transport Light Rail Acts of 1996 and 2001.

Opening the case before Ms Justice Mary Laffoy at the High Court today counsel for the Smyths Seamus Woulfe SC said since June 2004 when the Luas went fully operational his client's enjoyment of their home has been "severely undermined and compromised" due to noise coming from the light rail system.