A new representative group of householders affected by the ever increasing noise coming from traffic using the Athlone relief road has been established.
Residents from up to eight estates within numerous residential locations in Athlone, along the relief road, are represented on the new group which will be chaired by Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke.
“For those living in close proximity to the Athlone relief road there has always been a problem with noise. However, in recent years the problem has got substantially worse. Increased size and capacity of transportation and goods vehicles, along with an increased volume of overall traffic on the bypass, has added greatly to the noise nuisance coming from the road.
“Those who do not have this problem will not appreciate the extent to which the noise impacts on the lives and well-being of those living with the daily and nightly non-stop nature of the noise. In recent years, traffic volumes right throughout the night have been increasing in a very noticeable way.
“Last year I was pleased to secure an undertaking from Westmeath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ), to carryout a full acoustic assessment at all the affected areas along the Westmeath stretch of the Athlone bypass. Consultants will be appointed by Westmeath County Council in the coming months to carryout this work.
“Our goal as a representative group is to participate constructively with the consultants, with the Council and with TII to make sure that the very best solutions are found to help us deal with the noise.
“For example, road surface treatment, slower speed limits AND noise/acoustic barriers, can all be effective ways to reduce the impact of noise on homes - but let’s see what the consultants report tells us and we can go from there. We will feed in to the process at all stages and we are confident that by working together with the various agencies involved, we will achieve the best possible outcomes for all concerned.
“I would urge any residents affected by noise from the Athlone Bypass and who is willing to participate in our Bypass Noise Mitigation Group to please get in touch by email: [email protected],” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
