Environmental Impact Study

Enterprise Ireland carried out baseline noise measurements at nine locations along the proposed route and along the N18. Computer models were used to predict noise levels at all sensitive locations (23 in total) along the proposed route for the 'do-nothing' and the 'do-something' scenarios both for 2008 and 2028. For the purposes of the LSRR Phase II project, where noise levels due to the road scheme are greater than or equal to 68dBLA10 (18 hour) in 2028, mitigation measures will be provided.

Of the 23 prediction locations along the scheme, 14 will be above the 68dBLA10 (18 hour) criterion in 2028. Mitigation measures such as noise barriers or bunds will be applied near the road in the vicinity of all properties where noise levels are predicted to increase to 68 dBLA10-18hr or above due to noise generated by traffic on the new scheme. With these measures in place, no existing property along the proposed route will experience increases in noise levels to 68 dBLA10-18hr or above due to traffic using the new scheme.

At one of the 14 locations - the R526 (St. Nessan's Road) - noise levels already exceed the 68 dBLA10-18hr without the proposed road in place. The R526 will be realigned over the mainline as part of the scheme with the result that the road will be moved further away from housing on the existing road. This together with the predicted reduction in traffic flow on the R526 due to the overall scheme will reduce traffic noise at this location.

The ground vibration from the operation of the new road will be expected to be several orders of magnitude less than that which may cause disturbance or structural damage. The vibration will be less than that caused by traffic on the surfaces of the existing roads.

A variety of items of machinery will be used during the construction phase of the development and some have the potential to create adverse noise conditions. The contractor will be obliged to manage and control noise on site during the construction period through the implementation of mitigation measures including the restriction of working hours and the adherence to the guidance set out in British Standard BS 5228 1997 "Noise Control on Construction and Demolition Sites". It should be noted that although construction of the proposed road and tunnel will take approximately four years to complete, the impact and the disruption at individual locations will only be for the duration construction works are taking place in proximity to that location.