Dennison calls on council to publish Noise Maps for N3

As required by the EU noise regulation, the council has to produce noise maps for the N3. This is a major issue for residents in Clonee (Littlepace, Hunters Run, Pheasant Run, Swallowbrook and Bramblefields) and some parts of Mulhuddart. For some time now they have been pressurizing the Council to install Noise Barriers along this busy and very noisy highway.

The EU Directive (2002/49/EC) identifies for the first time noise as a significant pollutant that, as well as annoyance, can cause health problems. The directive compels Dublin local authorities to produce noise maps by 30th June 2007.

The main purpose of mapping is to evaluate the size of population affected by noise issues adjacent to major roads, rail and industrial sources. These maps must be lodged with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for publication on their website. As a follow up to this a Noise Action Plan must be drawn up by 18th July 2008.

As part of the Action Plan the Directive mandates that members of the Public must:

• be consulted on action plan proposals

• be given opportunity to participate in preparation/review of action plans

• have results of participation taken into account

• be kept informed of decisions taken

Dublin City Council has already put some of their noise maps for the Dublin South-Central area on the EPA website (http://www.epa.ie/downloads/advice/ea/).

Sadly as yet there has not been a cheep from Fingal County Council on the issue. No Maps, no Action Plans and no Sound Barriers for the N3. Not good enough.

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