COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
MOTION NO.16
MOTION: Councillor C. Brady
Cathaoirleach's Business
That this Committee calls on the Chief Executive to present a headed item update on noise monitoring in the Lucan-Palmerstown North-Clondalkin area, including progress on the implementation of the Noise Action Plan 2024-2028. Given the consistently high noise levels recorded by the Lucan monitor, the update should outline what actions are planned to address this issue and the expected timeline for implementation.
REPORT:
The European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018 to 2021 require;
- Noise Mapping Bodies to make and publish Strategic Noise Maps; and
- Action Planning Authorities to prepare Noise Action Plans every 5 years
SDCC are the noise mapping body for Non-National Major Roads within the functional area. Tranport Infrastructure Ireland are the noise mapping body for National Major Roads and the LUAS. Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail are the noise mapping body responsible for Heavy Rail.
SDCC are the Action Planning Authorities for all major roads and rail. For the purpose of the Regulations, the Action Planning Authorities are responsible for “making and approving action plans in consultation with the Agency and the noise mapping body for the noise map involved” i.e., SDCC may suggest noise mitigation measures however it requires consultation and approval with IE and TII for implementation.
The Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 states that "The Action Planning Authorities, in consultation with Noise Mapping Bodies will identify and agree on practical noise mitigation measures in relation to the Priority Important Areas. The practicality of the measures will take into consideration its potential impact in terms of noise exposure and harmful effects reduction, planning, land-use, cost and available technology. Consideration will also be given to measures that may result from existing road management, traffic and rail projects and works programmes."
In line with this, SDCC are part of a noise working group comprising the other Dublin Agglomeration Authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Iarnród Eireann. The purpose of the working group is to provide a forum for engagement on the issue of environmental noise, through the sharing of details of the projects and services they are engaged with and to exchange experiences on aspects of environmental noise and how they are or propose to contribute to its management, whilst maintaining critical transportation functions.
The overall objective being to provide a collaborative working platform from which to better manage noise related issues to achieve the goals of the Noise Action Plan and other Policy drivers (Transport Strategies, Development Plans, etc).
The issue of environmental noise is a complex one and similarly so is the use of noise mitigation measures such as speed restrictions, noise barriers and road surfaces which would be among the most prominent considerations in reducing noise. Studies have shown a reduction in tyre treads could reduce noise but there was a danger in terms of road safety. Similarly the choice of road surface material while slightly better from a noise point of view can degrade quicker and in turn impact road users. While there may be some scope for changing road surface composition in urban settings, on motorways at higher speed limits, this needs to be strongly considered while offering limited acoustic benefits and only certain types of standard surface can be used. We will continue to participate along with the other Dublin Local Authorities, TII and IE on the noise working group to try agree an implementation strategy for relevant noise mitigation measures identified.