COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That the Chief Executive, in light of the latest published reports showing breaches of noise levels in Woodville estate, immediately requests that TII takes urgent action to reduce illegal noise levels, i.e resurfacing the road or raising noise barriers; and that furthermore a similar analysis of freely available data be carried out for all residential areas bordering the N4 from Liffey Valley interchange to Kew Park, as the stretch in general has been reported as noisier in recent months and this would assist further requests. The mapping of noise at Woodville for example shows that a large large portion of Woodville walk is in the Blue zone for day and Dark Purple Zone for night, both higher than EU acceptable levels. The recent resurfacing of the road near the M50 junction has made the surface quieter and a lower noise surfacing could help reduce the impact of traffic levels returning to normal post-Covid restrictions.

REPORT:

The 4^th round of European Directive on Noise Mapping is currently in its early stages.  This latest mapping exercise involves the South Dublin County Council area. The new round sees significant changes in the mapping exercise and it is intended that areas such as Woodville, Kew Park and similar areas along major roads will be mapped in more detail.  As it currently stands, there are no specific legal noise limit values currently in place in Ireland regarding environmental road, rail and aircraft traffic noise. Local authorities currently only specify advisory levels. However, the WHO in 2019 lowered their threshold level of noise which they felt would negatively impact on people where the noise is consistent and on-going such as road traffic noise. As a result, the issue of noise pollution, has been brought much more to the fore in mainstream planning for road infrastructure and location of dwellings close to major roads.  Noise is now accepted as being an invasive pollutant, that can be harmful to some peoples’ health and wellbeing if occurring at such levels on a consistent basis.

Currently, as stated by Councillor Gogarty, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has the responsibility for erection of any noise barriers, the upgrade and maintenance of any existing barriers and all resurfacing of major roads as the N4. 

Our most recent referral was made to Stephen Byrne of Transport Infrastructure Ireland on the 18^th of October 2021. An email response was received on the 21^st October 2021 informing us that TII have raised the issue internally and will be in communication with us shortly on this matter.