COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

MOTION NO. 18

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

"Could a report be presented on the extent to which the noise screening panels at the Green Isle Road are obscuring the view for drivers at this location.  Drivers seeking to exit the green isle road cannot see cars coming at speed off the N7 until it is too late.  There have been several near misses at this location and it is probably necessary to remove some more of the panels."

REPORT:

The noise barrier at St John’s Road (referred to in the Motion raised as Green Isle Road) was not a requirement of the approved scheme but was added as a variation to the Contract following complaints from residents on both sides of Boot Road for some form of boundary to mitigate against noise and dust and also on health and safety grounds to prevent direct access for young children to the N7. To maximise its effect, the barrier was made as long as possible.

On completion of the barrier and subsequently during a road safety audit, it was identified that the eastern end of the barrier reduced sight distance for traffic exiting St John’s Road towards the right. As a consequence, it was agreed to remove the 2 easternmost panels of the noise barrier to improve sight distance and to monitor the situation going forward. It should be noted that speed limit on the mainline is 80 kph reducing to 50kph before entering Boot Road. Speed enforcement is a matter for the Gardai.

The NRA will consider the removal of further barrier panels to further increase sight distance or alternatively the use of rumble strips to slow down traffic coming off the mainline but are conscious of the effect of increased noise which either would give rise to especially when the barrier was erected to reduce noise in the first instance.