New report to investigate noise levels along busy Athlone road

A consultant has been commissioned to report on noise levels impacting residents living along Athlone bypass, it's emerged this week.

A longstanding issue rat local council meetings, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford/Westmeath, Robert Troy, has welcomed confirmation that the study is to be carried out which should be ready by the end of the year.

“After much work on this issue over the past few years, I’m delighted that Westmeath County Council have now commissioned a consultant to prepare a report on noise levels along the M6/N6 in Athlone and possible mitigation, including a possible noise barrier. Westmeath County Council have stated that they hope to have the report by the end of the year.

“This issue impacts a large number of households in the area as many of their gardens back straight onto the bypass/motorway. The volume of traffic on this road has increased significantly over the past few years and the noise levels have increased with this. The purpose of a noise barrier would be to reduce noise and improve the general quality of life for the residents in their homes.”

In October of 2021, a new group was established to represent Athlone residents affected by noise from traffic on the town's N6.

Residents from up to eight estates along the stretch, in various parts of Athlone, are represented on the group which was chaired by Fianna Fáil Cllr Aengus O'Rourke.

Cllr O'Rourke said at the time that their goal was 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 along the busy road.

With a suitably qualified consultant now finalised, Deputy Troy said he expected that the noise assessment survey would be completed by end of year.

“I am determined to ensure progress continues with the ultimate goal of ensuring a barrier is erected to reduce noise and improve quality of life,” he ended.