KENNY WELCOMES DESIGNATION OF QUIET AREAS IN RAHENY AND CLONTARF

Posted on August 12, 2013 12:33 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD has welcomed the designation of 3 'Quiet Areas' across Raheny and Clontarf for protection against increased levels of environmental noise.

"Noise is an unwanted disturbance that negatively impacts on quality of life and may have a detrimental effect on peoples' health and well-being. For this reason it is important that our green spaces and sea frontage are preserved and safeguarded from environmental noise. These areas are important public amenities where people go for relaxation and quiet reflection away from the noisy hustle and bustle of urban life. The Quiet Area designation will help to ensure that these spaces can continue to be enjoyed by present and future generations."

"The designation was made on foot of a proposal made to the Minister for the Environment by Dublin City Council under the Environmental Noise Regulations and following consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmental Noise Regulations aim to mitigate unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity."

"Noise action plans that are mapped out across areas in a city aim to preserve tranquil areas with existing low levels of environmental noise. Among the measures undertaken by Dublin City Council to implement this aim is the identification of 3 initial locations in Raheny and Clontarf for 'Quiet Area' designation under the Regulations. These are Edenmore Park and St. Anne's Park in Raheny, and Dollymount SAA in Clontarf."

"These areas will be administered by Dublin City Council. Noise limit values of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night will apply in respect of environmental noise pollution. Naturally occurring sounds should be the dominant sound source. The Quiet Area designation will also be a consideration in the context of proposed future development in the vicinity of these locations if it has the potential to negatively impact on noise levels."