Emmet Stagg
Question:291 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will publish regulations for the implementation of section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29592/00]
Written Answers. - Roads Act.
While section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993, provides power to make regulations, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, 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 Pleanalá, can require modifications to be made to the scheme in relation, inter alia, to noise mitigation, and such modifications have been imposed as required.
In view of the above approach, regulations have not been made under section 77 of the Roads Act, 1993, in relation to noise mitigation on newly constructed roads nor are such regulations at present proposed.