Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 5

Written Answers. - Shankill/Bray (Dublin) By-Pass.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

26 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the continuing problem of the unacceptable level of noise being experienced by some residents living along the motorway route arising out of the construction of the Shankill/Bray By-Pass Motorway and that Dublin County Council has no funds to provide the necessary noise abatement measures, such as double-glazing, for those affected; if he will make these funds available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

The Shankill/Bray by-pass was designed to reduce, as far as possible, the effect of noise on residential areas. Noise abatement measures, such as the provision of mounds, walls and other landscaping works, have been provided and have been funded from road grants.

The Eastern Health Board carried out a noise survey on the route between May and June, 1992. That survey showed that noise levels in excess of the UK standard were recorded at only two properties. As both cases involved property acquisition, accommodation works were agreed as part of the compensation paid to the parties. While the UK standard has no statutory force in this country, I am satisfied that the ameliorative measures already implemented by the local authority are adequate and that no further remedial works are necessary.