The implementation of an EU directive on noise pollution is three-and-a-half years behind schedule, Alternattiva Demokratika has said.

AD said it has already asked government to explain how it intends to implement the directive.

The party recently met the Birżebbuġa local council, whose residents are complaining about the noise made by aircraft at the nearby airport.

The party said the noise mitigation procedures of the Department of Civil Aviation only reduce the frequency of aircraft descent over Bengħajsa between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. but there is room for improvement.

AD's spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said a small step forward has been made through the legal notice which establishes the maximum noise level which can be attained at construction sites which are not more than one kilometre away from residences.

But the same principle should be extended to industry, offices and also entertainment establishments close to residential areas.

Translating the directive on noise pollution into law would be the first step, he said.