Vol. 495 No. 7
518 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current EU noise level standards in respect of residential accommodation adjacent to motorways; if these standards are maintained here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/98]
While there are no mandatory EU noise level standards of the type referred to, the European Commission published a Green Paper in November 1996 to stimulate discussion on improving the effectiveness of noise policy. The Green Paper, inter alia, outlines a framework for action and future options for the reduction of noise from different sources, including road noise; arising from it the European Commission is preparing a proposal for a framework directive for the assessment and reduction of environmental noise.
Appropriate noise mitigation measures are undertaken as part of the construction of motorway schemes. In addition, Ireland has given effect to the most recent EU directive on permissible sound levels for motor vehicles.
