Written answers

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Environmental Regulations

Photo of Emer HigginsEmer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement between the Environmental Protection Agency and residents of Heather Grove, Palmerstown, in respect of noise pollution from the M50; the measures contained in the Dublin agglomeration plan that can assist with this; the timeline for the implementation of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16178/20]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018 (S. I. No 549 of 2018) transpose EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Directive aims to provide a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is designated as the National Authority for the purpose of the Regulations. The Agency's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to noise-mapping, action planning and fulfilling European Environmental Agency (EEA) reporting requirements.

This legislation requires Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Local Authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans. Specifically, in relation to Heather Grove, Palmerstown, the designated planning authority is South Dublin County Council, and issues relating to noise levels associated with road traffic is a matter for South Dublin County Council.

The Regulations provide for strategic noise maps and action plans to be made available to the general public. They also provide for public consultation on proposed action plans and for the results of public consultation to be taken into account in finalising action plans. Details of Round 3 strategic noise mapping is available at the EPA website and the Noise Action Plan for the Agglomeration of Dublin (December 2018 – July 2023) is available at:

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I would encourage members of the public to participate in the consultation process when open to them, and engage with the relevant mapping bodies regarding the management of environmental noise.

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