Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017
567. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status in law of European guidelines on noise pollution with regard to motorway road projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/17]
View answerMotorways fall within the scope of EU Directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive, or END) relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. This Directive aims to provide “a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise”. The key sources of noise covered under the END are road, rail, aircraft and industrial noise.
The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 transpose the END into Irish law. The Regulations designate noise-mapping bodies and action planning authorities for the production of strategic noise maps and action plans. Primary responsibility for both noise mapping and action planning is assigned to local authorities. A number of other bodies also have noise mapping functions which are carried out on behalf of the local authorities concerned. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the NRA – National Roads Authority and Railway Procurement Authority – RPA) are a designated noise mapping body under the 2006 regulations.
The Regulations also designate the Environmental Protection Agency as the National Authority for the purposes of the Regulations. The Agency's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to both noise mapping and action planning, as well as the reporting requirements for the purpose of the Directive.
The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise.
Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps every 5 years for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large urban areas (referred to as agglomerations), major roads, railways and airports. The first and second rounds of noise maps were prepared and submitted to the European Commission in 2007 and 2012 respectively. The current third round of Noise maps are due to be updated by June 2017 and officials from my department have been actively involved in this process with the EPA and other national bodies.
Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise. Action plans are due to be updated by June 2018 and require public consultation.
For national road schemes, potential noise emissions are addressed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process undertaken by, or on behalf of, the Transport Infrastructure Ireland. TII have published Good Practice Guidance for the Treatment of Noise during the Planning of National Road Schemes which can be accessed at the TII website http://www.tii.ie/technical-services/environment/planning/Good_Practice_Guidance_for_the_Treatment_of_Noise_during_the_Planning_of_National_Road_Schemes.pdf
