Written answers

Thursday, 10 November 2005

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Noise and Air Pollution

5:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation or regulation that exists in regard to noise and air pollution levels in the vicinity of toll gates and tolling points on motorways and in particular in respect of the toll bridge at the M50 where residents are experiencing very high levels of noise and air pollution; his plans to bring in legislation in this area; if there are EU regulations which apply in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33613/05]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Assessment of air quality is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and air quality management is a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002. The EPA's, Air Quality and Emissions to Air Report 2003, contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities. The report states that the limit values for pollutants under the EU directives on ambient air quality were not exceeded in 2003. The report is available in the Oireachtas Library.

EC Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise defines a common approach to noise pollution across the EU so as to avoid, prevent or reduce the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise. This will be achieved through a process of noise mapping which will apply to agglomerations and to new and existing major roads, railways and airports, as set out in the directive, in two phases; the first phase by June 2007 and the second phase by June 2012. I understand the M50 motorway will fall within the directive's definition of a first phase major road.

The directive aims to ensure the public has access to information on environmental noise obtained from the noise mapping process. Furthermore, it provides for the formulation and adoption of action plans based on the noise mapping results, with a view to preventing and reducing environmental noise where necessary. Action planning shall also proceed on a phased basis; the first phase by July 2008 and the second phase by July 2012. Regulations to transpose Directive 2002/49/EC are at an advanced stage of drafting and I intend to make them shortly.

While the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and funding in regard to the national roads programme, implementation of individual projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authority. In this regard, I understand the National Roads Authority published, Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes in 2004. These guidelines establish a more demanding design goal in regard to road traffic noise, and provide detailed guidance on the treatment of noise and vibration at all stages in the planning, design and construction of road projects. I am satisfied that existing and forthcoming provisions for which I have responsibility have been designed to address the main problems associated with motorway noise and air pollution.

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