Noise from traffic on major road devaluing property

Noise from the Athlone bypass is impacting on local residents’ quality of life and devaluing their property, South Roscommon councillors were told last week.

At the July meeting of the Athlone Municipal District, Independent Councillor Emer Kelly called on the council to write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to request confirmation that any proposed noise reduction works by TII on the N6 Athlone bypass would include junction 13, which is in Monksland.

“There is a working group proposed in Westmeath to examine solutions to high noise levels along the N6, however it is unclear if the group will incorporate County Roscommon,” she said in her motion.

“The current noise levels are affecting the quality of life for nearby residents and devaluing properties as a result. Any works being examined or funded, should include the section of bypass in County Roscommon.” The motion was agreed by her colleagues.

Cllr Kelly said that the issue had been raised with her during the recent local elections. She added that residents were concerned that County Roscommon would not be included in any noise reduction works.

“It is causing an issue for people, particularly those who are trying to sell a house as it’s devaluing their property quite significantly. It is also reducing the quality of life for people living there,” she said.

She called on TII to ensure that the Roscommon section of the Athlone bypass was included in any works.

Cllr John Naughten supported the proposal, saying the matter had also been raised with him.

"It isn’t acceptable that people would be subjected to high levels of noise on a continuous basis,” he said. “It is probably one of the busiest routes in the country.” Local residents and their concerns need to be taken into account, he added.

Cllr John Keogh, MD Cathaoirleach, said he had also been contacted about the matter.

“It is an issue that has been going on for many years,” he said.

Director of Services Caitlín Conneely said that a noise action plan was underway in the county.

“That process has started and is underway,” she said. She explained that every local authority in the country was tasked with producing a noise action plan, and a committee had been set up within the council to progress it. The plan, which will go out for public consultation, will put in place measures to address noise in the county. Some of these would be expensive and require the intervention of TII.

“We will be working with our colleagues in Westmeath in relation to the N6 in particular,” she said. The council will also be working with other neighbouring counties.

She said that some noise monitoring had taken place at the specific location, and had not proved conclusively that noise mitigation measures were required in Monksland.

“But that has to be looked at in more detail,” she said.