Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Roadway Pollution.

Micheál Martin

Question:

368 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that existing legislation and regulations at his disposal will be used against local authorities to ensure compliance with such regulations and to ensure that pollution on our roadways, particularly noise pollution, will be eradicated. [15718/96]

Micheál Martin

Question:

369 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to make regulations under the Roads Act, 1993 to curb traffic noise on our major roadways, particularly roadways adjacent to housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15719/96]

Micheál Martin

Question:

370 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to use his powers under the Environmental Protection Act, 1992, to curb pollution emanating from our roadways in terms of toxic and noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15720/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 368, 369 and 370 together.

Increasing vehicle numbers, with significant reductions in air pollution from stationary sources, make road traffic a relatively greater contributor to air pollution in Ireland than in the past. A range of statutory measures are in place to control air pollutant emissions from vehicles. In the case of all new vehicles, the relevant EU emission standards are implemented by the European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations, 1993 to 1995. More stringent standards for light commercial vehicles, required by Directive 96/1/EC will come into force from 1 October 1996 under regulations being drafted at present.

The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, prohibit a person using a vehicle in such a manner as to emit fumes which could be prevented by the exercise of reasonable care and prohibit use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise through a defect (including a defect in design or construction), lack of repair or faulty adjustment. The regulations also provide that a person must not drive a vehicle in such a manner as to cause excessive noise which could be avoided by the exercise of reasonable care. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Under the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1991, light goods vehicles over four years old must be tested for roadworthiness every two years and heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances over a year old must be tested annually. The roadworthiness test includes emissions and noise tests on exhaust systems.

Regarding traffic noise, while there is no immediate intention of making regulations under the Roads Act, 1993, this matter will be kept under review.

The forthcoming national sustainable development strategy will address sustainable transport in the context of providing a framework of objectives and policies for achieving sustainability in Ireland.