Elderly residents complained that teen's Passat was too noisy

A Macroom teenager whose car prompted complaints from elderly residents over “extreme” exhaust noise has had the case against him struck out after selling the vehicle.

Ronan Murphy, 18, of Anfield House, Rahalisk, Macroom, appeared before Macroom District Court. 

The court heard Murphy was stopped by gardaí at Kilnagurteen, Macroom, at about 7.30pm on December 7, 2025, after a report from a member of the public.

Murphy was driving a Volkswagen Passat which he owned at the time. A number of elderly residents had complained about the excessive noise from its exhaust, the court heard. 

He was fully co-operative with gardaí, made a statement and admitted the car was his. Murphy told Judge Joanne Carroll that he had since sold the Passat and was now driving a much quieter Lexus.

The court heard he had no previous convictions and held a full driving licence. Murphy said he drove a tractor for a living. 

Judge Carroll remarked that a tractor had no silencer. She said Murphy had dealt with the issue by getting rid of the car and in light of his lack of previous convictions, struck out the matter. 

She warned him not to buy another car with a loud exhaust.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme