Written answers

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Environmental Protection

6:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that Cork City Council implements the noise action plan regarding the south city link road, N27; if funds have been ring-fenced for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16915/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is designated as the National Authority for the purpose of the Regulations. The EPA's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to noise-mapping, action planning, and fulfilling reporting requirements.

The Directive and Regulations provide for a two-stage approach to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, including major roads, are first prepared by the relevant mapping authorities. Local authorities then prepare noise action plans for their functional areas based on the results of noise mapping. Both the noise maps and noise action plans are required to be reviewed at least every 5 years. The next reviews are scheduled for 2012 and 2013, respectively.

My Department has been advised by the EPA that Cork City Council has submitted its finalised Noise Action Plan to the Agency. Assessment of progress made in relation to the implementation of the plan will be undertaken as part of the review due in 2013. Allocation of funding for the implementation of the noise action plan is a matter for Cork City Council.

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