Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Written Answers - Light Rail Project.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

467 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the problems that residents in the Lakelands Estate are experiencing as a result of the noise levels due to the development of the Luas light rail and other developments in the area; his further views on whether the RPA was correct in not carrying out an independent examination of the noise levels that are experienced as a result of the Luas construction works; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that independent noise analysis in the same area commissioned by private developers has shown that noise levels experienced by people in the area exceed World Health Organisation guidelines; and if he has the authority to instruct the RPA to carry out the desired independent noise analysis. [7218/03]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

468 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the development of a park and ride site in the land adjacent to the Luas line and the Lakelands Estate in Stillorgan may be in a location which does not meet the recommended criteria for park and ride facilities outlined in the Dublin Transportation Office Platform for Change document (details supplied); his further views on whether this park and ride facility is not in fact located at a meeting point between the national road network and a public transport network as proposed in the DTO report; his further views on whether the proposed parking site will be likely to unduly add to the congestion in this already busy area and on this basis would also have to be in contravention of the suggested criteria for the location of sites as set out by the DTO; his further views on whether changes that have occurred in the traffic management in the Sandyford area since the finalisation of the rail plans in 1997 requires a review with regard to the best location of the park and ride facility; the further information which the RPA will require prior to the development of the park and ride facility; the consultation it is required to carry out with other statutory bodies or local groups. [7219/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.

I have been informed by the Railway Procurement Agency that the Luas engineering construction works at the rear of the Lakelands housing estate have been completed. The agency has also informed me that, during construction, the noise emanating from the works carried out in the Lakelands area, such as spoil removal and laying of ballast and track, was regarded as equivalent to that which would be expected from similar works on constructing roads or erecting poles. Accordingly, the RPA did not deem it necessary to engage in ongoing monitoring of the essential works involved. Representations were made by Lakelands residents to the public inquiry held into the construction and operation of the line from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green. I understand that, in the course of the inquiry, an inspector engaged an independent noise emissions expert to comment on the case made by the residents. In his findings, the inspector indicated that he was satisfied with the proposals outlined by CIE, which was responsible for the Luas project at that time, for dealing with the noise issue. My predecessor granted the light railway order based on the inquiry's findings.

I have been informed by the RPA that noise will be monitored at Lakelands when Luas oper ations commence. I understand that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has approved this. The RPA has also informed me that plans to establish a park and ride facility at the rear of Lakelands were developed having taken cognisance of the views of the Dublin Transportation Office and in accordance with the light railway order for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line. It should be noted that the park and ride facility in question is located in close proximity to a major junction of a motorway which is currently under construction.