John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

505. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the impact of noise pollution and air pollution in view of the expansion of the M50 from four lanes to six or eight lanes; and the impact on persons living adjacent to the motorway in the areas of Edmondstown, Stocking Lane, Knocklyon, Ballycullen, Firhouse and Templeogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31095/17]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

506. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the ameliorative measures in place to combat the significant noise and air pollution being experienced by persons in the Stocking Lane, Scholarstown, Knocklyon, Ballycullen, Edmondstown and Templeogue areas, in view of the fact that the M50 is almost at full capacity for the first time since it expanded to six and eight lanes a number of years ago; the way in which he plans to direct the relevant agencies to implement measures to reduce the impact of both air and noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31096/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.

Emissions from transport, including particulate emissions, can have a detrimental impact on both human health and environmental ecosystems. Inhalation of Particulate Matter (PM) can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.

My Department has commenced work on the first ever National Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities. The Clean Air Strategy will address priority air pollutants in Ireland, including vehicle emissions, in an integrated manner. A public consultation on the strategy closed at the end of April and all submissions are currently being assessed. I hope to have the Strategy finalised by the end of this year.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has undertaken a review of the current state of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland. The outcome of this review was a decision to develop a new air quality monitoring programme which aims to enhance and build on the current arrangements. The new national Ambient Air Monitoring Programme (AAMP) is being developed under Section 65 of the EPA Act, 1992 as amended. Placing the programme on this statutory footing emphasises the importance that the EPA places on the monitoring of air quality in Ireland.

The AAMP covers the years 2017 to 2022, with the enhancement and expansion of the monitoring network to be prioritised in the first phases of the programme. Further details on the timeframes for the expansion of the network will be released as they become available.

Insofar as noise is concerned, motorways, including the M50, fall within the scope of EU Directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive, or END) relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. This Directive aims to provide “a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise”. A key source of noise covered under the END is road traffic noise.

The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 transpose the END into Irish law. The Regulations designate noise-mapping bodies and action planning authorities for the production of strategic noise maps and action plans. Primary responsibility for both noise mapping and action planning is assigned to local authorities. A number of other bodies also have noise mapping functions which are carried out on behalf of the local authorities concerned. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII - formerly the NRA – National Roads Authority) is a designated noise mapping body under the 2006 regulations.

The Regulations also designate the Environmental Protection Agency as the National Authority for the purposes of the Regulations. The Agency's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to both noise mapping and action planning, as well as the reporting requirements for the purpose of the Directive.

The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise. Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps every 5 years for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large urban areas (referred to as agglomerations), major roads, railways and airports. The current third round of Noise maps are due to be updated this month and officials from my department have been actively involved in this process with the EPA and other national bodies.

Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise. Action plans based on the 3rd round Noise Maps will be prepared by designated action planning authorities in 2018.

For national road schemes, potential noise emissions are addressed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process undertaken by, or on behalf of, the Transport Infrastructure Ireland. TII have published Good Practice Guidance for the Treatment of Noise during the Planning of National Road Schemes which can be accessed at the TII website - .