Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is redress for residents experiencing noise values resulting from motorway provision which are in excess of predicted levels and of the British standard. [41160/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, and implementation of individual projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authority. In this regard, I understand that the National Roads Authority published Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes in 2004.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is imminent legislation which would require remedial action in circumstances where traffic noise levels exceed a given EU accepted standard; and if such legislation is contemplated either at national or EU level. [41161/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently made the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, which give effect to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined in the Regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity.

The Regulations require the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, and major roads, railways and airports. Based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned, with a view to preventing and reducing environmental noise, where necessary.

My Department is not aware of any further or imminent EU legislation in relation to traffic noise levels.