Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am interested in whether the resurfacing as part the Dunkettle upgrade has had an impact. That is why mapping is important to measure before and after and I do not know whether that extends as far east. I mentioned the Ringaskiddy development because it is likely to increase the volume of traffic and, potentially, heavy goods vehicles, which are even noisier in terms of their weight they carry. That is the only reason I mentioned that project. I do not expect the response would be that there would be a 10 km barrier system because that would have quite an impact visually and be very expensive. However, the benefit of mapping is that interventions could be targeted around particular houses. Along motorways, we often see houses that are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. It might be more specific spots where we would look for such barriers for protection.

I am trying to recall the speed limit review conducted almost two years ago, which we will start implementing this autumn. It did not recommend a change in the 120 km/h speed limit for the motorway. The review is available on the Department’s website so the Deputy can go back and check whether there was anything specific or what the reasoning was behind that. However, the changes are primarily coming on non-national roads below the 100 km/h speed limit.

On the third question, it is the responsibility of local authorities. That responsibility first resides with the council as an ability. It is not that there is a lack of funding, if it is a funding requirement. This year, Cork County Council will get an allocation for roads of €61 million. Roughly half of that is just for protecting and renewal. That might be the budget that this road section might need.

Rather than putting in a new road, we will be adapting an existing road. I do not believe funding would be the primary constraint. Obviously, an area always has to be managed. As the Deputy knows, we will have to provide additional funding for flood protection following what happened in Midleton and Glanmire last year. It is a matter for the council and it must be held to account if it is not protecting the citizens in the way it should.

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