Vol. 519 No. 3
192 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, he has issued any directions in regard to noise pollution emanating from motorways; if he has received any requests in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13924/00]
201 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in view of the works of the NRA in its preparation for the building of new motorways (details supplied), he intends to take action under Section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993, which empowers him, after consultation from the Environmental Protection Agency, to make regulations requiring the NRA to carry out works or take such other measures as are necessary to mitigate the effects of road traffic noise from specific roads which are constructed or improved after the 1 August 1993; his views on whether these regulations may specify limits for road traffic noises from public roads above which road authorities or the NRA will be required to take ameliorative action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 201 together.
While section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993, provides power, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to make regulations requiring works to be carried out on newly constructed or improved roads to mitigate the effects of road traffic noise, this issue is at present dealt with on a case by case basis through environmental impact assessment.
Forecasts of road noise levels are included in all environmental impact statements for major road schemes. Objections can be made on a wide range of grounds to proposed road developments, including the impact of increased noise, and objectors may raise their concerns at a public inquiry. The approval process for road projects, now operated by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, but soon to be transferred to An Bord Pleanála can require modifications to be made to the scheme in relation, inter alia, to noise mitigation, and such modifications have been imposed as required.
