Sound barriers on Athlone bypass “could cost up to €10m”

Consulting engineers are this month finalising the details of proposed sound barriers in residential areas along the N6 Athlone bypass in Westmeath and Roscommon.

Athlone Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran welcomed recent progress on the long-awaited project, saying he's hopeful a programme of noise mitigation works will be getting underway in 2027.

Local residents in estates adjoining the bypass in Athlone have for many years been highlighting the severe impact traffic noise has been having on their quality of life.

Earlier this year, initial funding of €400,000 was allocated towards planning for the sound barriers, with 'Boxer' Moran estimating this week that the total cost of the project could reach up to €10 million.

The local Minister of State said consulting engineers Roughan & O'Donovan, together with AWN Environmental Consultants, were undertaking a comprehensive noise assessment covering the full length of the Athlone bypass in Westmeath and Roscommon.

This assessment is using the most recent noise survey data collected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and will inform a detailed design report identifying the proposed locations and lengths of environmental noise barriers, together with associated costings.

A steering group meeting involving TII, Westmeath County Council, Roscommon County Council and the appointed technical consultants took place on Thursday, October 22.

The proposed noise mitigation measures for the Athlone bypass are expected to be identified and costed by the end of November, with a view to informing a programme of works for next year.

Welcoming the update, Minister of State Moran, said: "I want to see this project move from assessments and reports to actual noise mitigation measures on the ground."

The update was provided by Seán Canney, Minister of State with responsibility for International Road and Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, following ongoing discussions and representations concerning traffic noise affecting residents living along the bypass.

It follows meetings involving Minister Moran, Minister Canney and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, during which the need for effective noise reduction measures along the N6 Athlone bypass was highlighted.

"I know the impact that continuous traffic noise can have on people's quality of life and enjoyment of their homes. We're now taking in both the Roscommon and the Westmeath sides of Athlone. Both counties have estates in the same situation," Minister Moran said.

He said approximately ten estates on the Westmeath side of the bypass were expected to benefit from the project.

"In recent times, there's been trees cut for safety reasons, and this has added to the noise concerns in the affected areas," he added.

"This is a very important and positive update for the many residents living alongside the Athlone bypass who have endured excessive traffic noise for far too long."

Roscommon Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly said three estates on the South Roscommon side of the Athlone bypass are expected to benefit from the noise mitigation works, and he described the progress on the project as "hugely important".

"There are three main estates, but there are also a number of individual houses impacted. It affects both Westmeath and South Roscommon, and there is a lot of crossover between the two counties."

Deputy Daly added that he was "absolutely delighted" that the consultants have been appointed, and funding has been committed, for the project, which he believes should start "as soon as possible".

He expressed his thanks to Minister Moran for his work on the project, and his commitment to working with Roscommon County Council on various projects.

Minister Moran said he will maintain close contact with Minister Canney, TII, and both local authorities as the current noise mitigation assessment reaches its conclusion.