Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities are fulfilling their roles regarding the implementation of sound barriers to mitigate the impact of major motorway construction projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41676/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

Noise mitigation measures for new National Roads projects are funded through the overall allocation for the new road project in question.

With regard to existing National Roads, the amended European Communities (Environmental Noise Regulations) 2018 (S.I. No. 549) deal with the requirements to prepare noise actions plans to be developed for the purpose of managing environmental noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national authority for overseeing the implementation of these Regulations. Queries regarding the work of the EPA should be directed to the responsible parent department, in this case the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Local authorities, in their role as designated Action Planning Authorities, are responsible for making and approving noise actions plans. The finalised action plan is the responsibility of the respective local authority. While TII have a role in the preparation of noise maps, funding cannot be provided to TII from the Department as they have no role in the implementation of such plans under the Regulations. Therefore, all Environmental Noise related issues are a matter for each respective local authority.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to the offices of TII to advise on the implementation of noise mitigation measures while major motorway construction projects are underway. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.