N Ireland consultation road noise action plan

The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have consulted on their round 4 Road Noise Action Plan covering 2023 – 28. This is to comply with Round 4 of the Environmental Noise Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006. Updated modelling methods and expanding the network of roads covered has meant an increase in number of people identified as being exposed to high levels of road noise.  The top 1% of those most affected by road noise totalled 10,309 people Ten candidate noise management areas were identified – two in Belfast, two in Balllymena and others in Banbridge, Broughshane, Dungannon, Newry, Newtownhamilton and Rathfriland. Mitigation measures proposed to reduce noise exposure include route realignment, acoustic barriers and bunds, low noise road surfacing and planning controls for new developments. Promoting active travel, electric vehicle charging expansion and more park and ride are also considered. For longer term strategy the DfI will look to ensure noise is considered in planning decisions. The consultation closed on January 22nd.

Road Noise Action Plan - Round 4