Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady has sharply criticised Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for its decision to proceed with resurfacing works on the M11 between Junctions 14 and 18 using Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA), rather than Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), a low-noise surfacing material. The choice of surfacing is particularly important for properties adjoining the N11/M11, where road traffic noise is already a serious issue for local residents. The use of a conventional HRA surface, rather than a low-noise SMA surface, will do nothing to reduce this noise pollution and could result in a poorer outcome for adjoining properties.
Deputy Brady said TII’s decision was particularly disappointing given that Wicklow County Council engineers and local residents have requested that SMA be used for these works, and given that the Wicklow County Council Noise Action Plan 2024–2028 specifically identifies low-noise road surfacing as a measure to reduce noise at source.
“I am extremely disappointed that TII has decided to proceed with the planned resurfacing works using HRA, despite repeated requests from Wicklow County Council and residents living alongside the N11 in the Coyne’s Cross area that a low-noise surfacing material be used.
“The choice of road surface matters enormously to people living alongside a busy motorway. SMA is a low-noise surfacing material and can provide significant noise-reduction benefits compared with conventional road surfaces. For households already dealing with significant traffic noise, this is a serious issue.
“Wicklow County Council’s Noise Action Plan 2024–2028 specifically identifies low-noise road surfacing as a measure to reduce noise at source. The Council’s own noise-management strategy therefore recognises the importance of low-noise surfacing in addressing the impact of road traffic noise.
“So, we have a situation where the Council’s own engineers are asking for low-noise surfacing to be used, residents are asking for it, and the Council’s Noise Action Plan identifies low-noise road surfacing as an appropriate noise mitigation measure, yet TII is still proposing to proceed with HRA.”
Deputy Brady said there is also a clear precedent for the use of SMA on the M11 following an intervention he made in 2023.
“This is not a new issue. In 2023, I intervened when a different section of the M11 was being resurfaced, following concerns about the impact of road noise on local residents. Following that intervention, low-noise SMA surfacing was used on that section.
“That is important because it demonstrates that this type of low-noise surfacing can be used on the M11. It has already been used following representations made on behalf of residents.
“We are now faced with another section of the M11 being resurfaced, with residents once again raising legitimate concerns about road noise. It makes no sense to me that TII would not continue the use of a low-noise surface where it can provide a direct benefit to people living alongside the road.”
Deputy Brady also highlighted the concerns raised directly by Wicklow County Council with TII regarding the choice of surfacing material.
“Wicklow County Council has been engaging with TII on this issue and has specifically requested that the SMA surfacing used in 2023 be continued, including so that it ties in with the existing SMA surfacing at M11 Junction 18.
“This is not simply a case of residents making an isolated request. Wicklow County Council engineers have also recognised the potential benefits of using SMA and have made representations to TII.
“TII’s response has been that it intends to proceed with HRA in accordance with its policy of replacing existing pavement surfaces on a like-for-like basis.
“But a policy of like-for-like replacement should not prevent TII from considering the particular circumstances of this section of the M11 and the impact that road noise has on the residential properties alongside it.
“The purpose of infrastructure policy should ultimately be to deliver the best possible outcome. Where there is an opportunity to reduce noise for local residents, that opportunity should be taken.”
Deputy Brady said the issue is particularly relevant in light of the objectives of the Wicklow County Council Noise Action Plan 2024–2028.
“The Wicklow County Council Noise Action Plan 2024–2028 specifically recognises low-noise road surfacing as a measure for reducing noise at source.
“We therefore have a very clear and reasonable request being made here. Residents want the lower-noise material. Wicklow County Council engineers have requested it. The Council’s own Noise Action Plan identifies low-noise surfacing as a noise mitigation measure. And there is already a precedent for using SMA on the M11 following my intervention in 2023.
“TII needs to explain why, in these circumstances, it is refusing to reconsider its decision.”
Deputy Brady is now calling on TII to immediately pause the planned resurfacing works between Junctions 14 and 18 and engage with Wicklow County Council and local residents with a view to agreeing the use of SMA.
“I am calling on TII to immediately halt the planned resurfacing works until proper engagement has taken place and an agreement is reached on the use of low-noise SMA surfacing.
“Residents living alongside the N11/M11 should not have to accept a decision that fails to take the noise impact on their homes seriously.
“There is an opportunity here to use a lower-noise surface, consistent with the approach already taken on a different section of the M11 in 2023 and with the noise-mitigation measures identified in Wicklow County Council’s Noise Action Plan 2024–2028.
“TII should reconsider this decision immediately and agree to use SMA on the M11 between Junctions 14 and 18.
“I will continue to press TII on this issue until a satisfactory outcome is achieved for the residents living alongside the N11/M11.” Ends