Doyle expresses concern about noise levels on N3

Independent member of Fingal County Council Tania Doyle has expressed concern about noise levels on the N3.

The Ongar Councillor said that increased development along the N3 spine will cause traffic levels to rise in the area.

“Mile for mile, the N3 from Clonee to M50 is one of the most heavily used and congested sections of carriageway in the country. Trees and hedgerow are universally recognised as a significant mitigator or noise and air pollution,” she said.

“Hard infrastructure sound barriers are another key component along with reductions in speed and high-quality road surfaces. The N3 (J4 Clonee) to M50 is earmarked for upgrade but the rollout of this program must see progression so tangible improvements can be felt by the residents of estates within the Littlepace/Castaheany Residential development.”

She said that noise measurement was crucial in the context of the works, saying that noise measurement systems must be spread out over a wider area.

“From officials, I understand a disagreement exists on the responsibility for noise mitigation from the TII-managed road network which includes the N3. Should there be a scheme proposed to mitigate noise at this location or indeed along the whole of the N3, I have written to TII calling for it to undertake more refined modelling and verification through measurement.”

“Should the N3 upgrade scheme proceed an Environmental Impact Assessment and detailed noise measurements must take place. Currently there is no commitment from TII to undertake any noise mitigation scheme and therefore they believe there would be little benefit in incurring the cost of noise measurement.”

She said she was “not convinced” that cost should dictate policy, and that additional planting should compensate for any reduction in treelines as a result of the project.

“It is my intention to continue to lobby for increased noise mitigation on N3,” she said.