The Shankill-Bray by-pass was designed to minimise, in so far as possible, the effect of noise on residential areas. Noise abatement measures, such as the provision of mounds, walls and other landscaping, have been provided by the local authority and have been funded from road grants for the scheme.
Dublin County Council have submitted a number of requests to my Department for funding towards the provision of double glazing for houses adjacent to the by-pass. The local authority was advised that compensation is only payable to property owners where property is compulsorily acquired and that, in such cases, compensation, in default of agreement, is determined by arbitration under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919.
In a recent noise survey carried out on the council's behalf by the Eastern Health Board, noise levels in excess of 68 dB(A) were recorded at two properties. In both of these cases, accommodation works were agreed as part of the compensation paid to the parties concerned.
