Re: Re: Cork Transport

Ring road to undergo noise level survey

A NOISE survey is to be carried out along Cork’s main ring road to see if traffic noise levels are within EU limits.

The South Ring Road has passed a key traffic volume marker and will be included in a National Roads Authority noise mapping exercise being carried out on some of the country’s busiest main roads.

It is due for completion in June and will recommend methods of tackling areas where noise levels are above the permitted levels introduced by the EU in April.

The completed survey will be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency by July 2008 before being forwarded to the EU Commission.

Fianna Fáil TD John Dennehy welcomed the survey.

“The EU regulations are a welcome breakthrough in the battle between local residents and public representatives on one hand and road design personnel and engineers on the other,” he said.

“There is a need for balance and residents along this road have suffered because that balance has not been achieved.”

I would guess that the sections through Douglas and between the Togher and Sarsfield Rd exits are the most likely to be over any noise limits. Some of the problems can probably be dealt with by putting up noise screens, but it’s conceivable that an 80 km/h speed limit would be put in place in parts to keep the noise (and other pollution) down.