November 16, 2009 12:24

U2 fined for breaking noise regulations at 360° Dublin gigs

Band forced to cough up £33,125 following probe

Photo Gallery: U2
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U2 have been fined £33,125 for breaching noise regulations during three gigs in Dublin over the summer.

Promoters MCD have been hit by the fine from Dublin City Council after residents complained to council officials about excessive noise levels during their Croke Park shows in July, reports the Irish Independent.

An investigation found the Irish four-piece played louder than regulations allow a total of 12 times during the gigs.

A spokesman from council confirmed an environmental officer had clocked the band playing over the 75 decibel noise level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Some local residents condemned the fine.

"It is a paltry penalty, it really isn't a disincentive," said Pat Gates, chair of the Croke Park Area Residents' Alliance. "They would write that off in terms of planning for such things. Any fines that do accrue to the city council should be invested back into the local community, as they were the ones that put up with it."

As previously reported, U2 faced protests from Dublin residents who were angry up to 100 trucks were driving through the narrow lanes around the venue.