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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 166, inclusive, together.

The calculation of the health impacts of pollution is derived from large scale statistical analysis of pollutant loads and epidemiological studies. The European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes an annual report on Air Quality in Europe with estimates on health impacts. The latest report, covering the year 2014, was published in October last year and is available to download at the following link: 

The report indicates that for 2014, there were approximately 1,510 premature deaths in Ireland that could be attributed to air pollution, and over 18,000 years of life lost. While this EEA report does not calculate a cost for this health impact, a 2015 World Health Organisation report ("Economic cost of the health impact of air pollution in Europe") estimated a cost to Ireland of over US$2.5 billion for the year 2010. Further information on the impact of air pollution across Europe is available from a Commission impact assessment (available at ) which indicates 121,378,612 lost working days across Europe arising from particulate matter pollution.

While the health statistics do not disaggregate the impact according to the source of pollution, we know that transport is an important contributor of pollutants, including PM2.5 and especially NOx. In relation to pollution along the M50, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is currently undertaking indicative particulate monitoring and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) monitoring at two locations adjacent to the M50. The first monitoring station is located by the eastern quadrant of the N4/M50 interchange. The second monitoring station is located to the western quadrant of the Sandyford interchange. Monitoring commenced at both stations in February 2014. Both stations were established to monitor trends in emissions of PM10 and NO2 in the vicinity of the upgraded M50 Motorway as per modification 3(2) of the An Bord Pleanála decision to approve the scheme.

The measured concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 at both monitoring stations are significantly below the limits set out within the Air Quality Standards Regulations (S.I. 180 of 2011). At the monitoring station established in the western quadrant of the Sandyford interchange, the measured NO2 concentrations are below the limits set out within the Air Quality Standards Regulations. At the monitoring station in the eastern quadrant of the N4/M50 interchange, six separate locations have been monitored. At five of these locations, the measured NO2 concentrations are below the limits set out within the Air Quality Standards Regulations. However, the annual average limit value has been exceeded at one roadside NO2 monitoring location.

In light of the health concerns arising from air pollution, my Department is working on the first ever National Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching 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. I intend to launch the Strategy in the coming months.

I am also supporting the development and rollout of a new national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP) by the Environmental Protection Agency. The AAMP will double the number of ambient air quality monitoring stations in Ireland by 2022, and enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public.

In relation to noise, it should be noted that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils operate a County Dublin Environmental Noise Information website which can be accessed at . A number of monitors are situated close to the M50.

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 (EPA) 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 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 third round noise mapping process is almost complete and joined up maps for the four authorities in the Dublin agglomeration should be available in the coming weeks. These maps will present modelled noise levels within the Dublin agglomeration including along the M50. 

A period of public consultation will be organised to make these noise maps available at relevant Local Authorities and other mapping bodies. Existing noise maps for the first and second round of the END are currently available on the EPA website and Local Authority websites.

Following on from the third round mapping process, Action Planning Authorities (including relevant Local Authorities) are required to prepare Noise Action Plans to address noise levels identified through the mapping process. The action plans are designed to act as a means of managing environmental noise by controlling future noise by planned measures, such as land-use planning, systems engineering for traffic, traffic planning, abatement by sound-insulation measures, and control of noise sources through measures such as noise barriers or low noise road surfaces.

It is important to note that the END does not set limit or target values, nor does it prescribe the measures to be included in the action plans, which are matters for the national authority in each Member State. The EPA has previously produced guidance for Local Authorities on the content of such plans (at )

I would encourage members of the public to participate in this consultation process and engage with the relevant mapping bodies regarding areas where elevated noise levels are being experienced, and assist in identifying mitigations measures (such as road barriers) that could be included in Noise Action Plans.