N21 - Abbeyfeale [route options published]

Middle Man wrote: »

I think these N21 relief roads are stopgap measures in similar fashion to the relief roads at both Mitchelstown (former N8) and Enfield (former N4). I'd like to see an eventual M21 to at least as far as Newcastlewest.

Preferred route to be published next Tuesday.

Tender out for topographical surveys along the route.

Tender out for ground investigation for the route

https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/surveys-ongoing-in-development-of-bypasses-for-abbeyfeale-and-newcastle-west-313092

April 2023 - Update on Surveys

Ground Investigation Works nearing completion; The N21 Project Team would like to thank landowners and property holders for their ongoing co-operation and assistance during the recent Ground Investigations. The majority of works are due for completion in the coming weeks, although there will be some ongoing monitoring of standpipes over the next 12 months.

Archaeology Geophysical Survey: This targeted survey has commenced and will inform where archaeological features could be found on the scheme. It is anticipated that this survey will be completed by the end of May 2023. 

Noise Surveys due to commence in April/May 2022; Noise impacts will be assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Impacts on residences and communities due to noise will be minimised by avoiding houses and villages wherever possible, and where necessary, noise barriers such as earth bunds or fences may be proposed to mitigate the impact.

The scheme will be required to comply with national standards on noise levels, and the design and construction of the scheme will be carried out in accordance with TII’s Environmental Assessment and Construction Guidelines. 

To determine where mitigation is required, modelling of noise levels will be undertaken in accordance with TII Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Development) of project development. An initial assessment of the Route Options was undertaken at earlier stages in the project, and now detailed assessment can be undertaken of noise impacts along the Preferred Route Corridor.

To develop the noise model, noise monitoring will be undertaken at various locations in the study area. The locations will be selected in-line with TII Noise Guidelines. Noise monitoring is not required at every dwelling house - the selected locations will be representative of the wider area and will be chosen based on a variety of factors and how representative they are of the surrounding area. The noise model will be checked against the results of these on-the-ground noise surveys to verify the accuracy of the model, allowing noise impacts to be determined along the full length of the route. The noise model will allow the project team to assess noise impacts at every dwelling in the study area. It will take into account traffic numbers, ground levels and the design of the proposed scheme.

The noise model will allow the design team to determine the location, extent and type of noise mitigation required, and these measures will then be included in the scheme design. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the scheme will also include details of the noise impacts and the mitigation proposed.  

The latest.