Clare County Council Prepares “Sound” Plan For Clare’s Main Roads

The area covered by the first element of the "Noise Action Plan", which is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of the EU Environmental Noise Directive and associated Regulations, is the N18 and adjoining lands from the Clare/Limerick border up to Ennis Town.

As part of the preparation of the plan, a public consultation is presently being carried out to obtain the views and opinions of local residents and other interested parties.

According to Maeve Ryan, Executive Scientist, Clare County Council, "The main purpose of the plan is to inform and consult the public about exposure to noise from major road traffic and the corrective measures that may be considered to address this issue. The plan also aims to assess the existing and future impacts of environmental noise from major roads. The plan does not address noise from domestic activities, noise created by neighbours or noise at workplaces."

Ms. Ryan explained, "The public consultation process offers the public and other stakeholders an opportunity to have their views considered in relation to proposals to address road noise and to highlight any areas that they consider may have been overlooked. Comments are also invited in relation to noise sensitive locations, such as buildings, parks and facilities within the current action planning area that may need particular attention."

"We hope the publication of this noise action plan will enable us to better engage with local communities and other key stakeholders to improve our understanding of residents’ concerns and priorities, and ensure that we take effective action in response", concluded Ms. Ryan.

The draft plan and associated maps are available for inspection at the following locations up to the 28th October 2008:
- Environment Section, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis
- Ennis Town Council, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis
- De Valera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
- Sean Lemass Library, Shannon Town
- Newmarket-on-Fergus Public Library, Newmarket-on-Fergus

The plan may also be viewed on the Clare County Council website: www.clarecoco.ie.
Comments/observations on the draft plan may be made in writing to the Environment Section at the above address or by email to enviroff@clarecoco.ie up to and including 28th October 2008.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Further information is available from Maeve Ryan, Executive Scientist, Environment Section (065 6846423)
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations (086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com)

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900