Submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding m28

Observations and Submission on M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project Motorway Scheme 17/08/2017 A chara We wish to make a number of comments and observations with regarding to the planned M28 upgrade, both in terms of its benefits and also some local concerns which have been raised with us.

In the first instance it is of course true to say that the current N28 and any M28 upgrade will be one of the most strategically significant roads in the state, linking as it does, Ringaskiddy to the N40, and consequently Cork City and the Dublin Road. This is an important road for the communities who rely upon it, as well as Industry and commerce. The economic case for the project is strong, particularly in the context of the growing population in this part of metropolitan Cork, and the strategic industrial area of Ringaskiddy, as well as the strategy being developed for Cork Harbour, supported by National Government & the County Council Notwithstanding this, there are considerable concerns in relation to a number of specific elements of the route, which we wish to bring to the attention of an Bord Pleanรกla which must be given serious consideration and alternatives and/or mitigation provided.

Several of these relate to the Rochestown/Douglas/Maryborough area. Particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to the area around Wainsfort, Delford Drive, Rochestown Rise and Newlyn Vale, among other areas.

These concerns, particularly focused on the nature and shape of the westward diverge lane from the Bloomfield interchange, but more generally in relation to the sound and dust and impact of the extended motorway and the additional carriage on the motorway.

Residents have many concerns including what they believe will be severe noise pollution, but also in relation to removal of trees, and increased traffic.

In relation to sound, they believe that there will be areas where sound will exceed 80 to 85 decibels, whereas the recommended max noise levels are in the area of 55 decibels.

Indeed, they are of the understanding that the last survey carried out by Cork County Council in 2012, noise levels in Rochestown Rise are already well in excess of TII’s own stated design goals of a 60 decibel maximum sound level threshold.

This is a very legitimate and serious concern and all steps reasonable to avoid noise pollution to the homes of these residents should be taken, including whatever steps and mitigation may be necessary, up to and including noise abatement screens for the length of the diverge, and no area where decibel levels exceed 55 should be left exposed.

There is concern also in relation to the increased traffic expected to be of the level of 25,000 to 40,000. The additional carriage may also have implications in relation to traffic in the wider Douglas area more generally, and the possibility of changes to signals and road layout on roads adjacent to the motorway. Particularly the fact that there are concerns that there may be no right turn into Douglas Village from the Douglas East Exit, and the signalisation of the traffic lights at the entrance to Douglas Court Shopping Centre, as well as additional sets of lights along Rochestown Road, leading to a significant number of Traffic lights potentially slowing traffic along that route.

Steps should be taken to consider how the impact of this can be reduced particularly on traffic on adjoining roads, as well as passages of the motorway where speeds could be slowed in order to reduce sound pollution effects.

We would also urge an Bord PleanĂĄla to ensure that the impact on green areas and the local environment is kept to an absolute minimum and to preserve as much as possible of the natural environment in the community.

We would also ask an Bord PleanĂĄla to consider the concerns of residents of Ringaskiddy. While many residents in Ringaskiddy are anxious, generally to see the M28 delivered, given the impact of heavy freight travelling through the village, and the traffic pressures on the existing road, there are concerns in relation to the design, and a degree of disappointment that the previously proposed route, proposed in2008 was not advanced as part of this route.

The existing proposal, where previously the road would have gone around the village, and maintained a buffer between village and road, this cuts through the green belt which had existed. More significantly, it separates a portion of the village from the rest, with 12 families having a 4k drive from their homes to the village now. It is also a cause of concern, that the current proposal, takes up a site which had long been earmarked for a long overdue new school building. This is a significant concern and

disappointment to the community, and it is evident that the previous local element of the proposed route, as included in the 2008 design was much more satisfactory.

We do also note that the development would have the impact of reducing peak hour journey times, and costs for road users, especially for those at the southern end of the road, the currently heavily congested Carrigaline area, but not only there. This is a commuter area poorly served in terms of transport, and the issue of traffic is one of the concerns most frequently expressed by those living in that part of Cork, and it cannot be ignored any further.

The project, generally speaking, is of great significant to the Cork Area. Cork Chamber of Commerce produced a report, Cork to the World, in 2010 by Indecon on the economic case for the N28. The assessment indicates that the N28 upgrade would provide a catalyst for realising massively enhanced foreign direct investment, involving an estimated 1,100 additional high value jobs and related additional employment incomes of €97.1 million in annual terms or €1.4 billion in present value terms over a 25-year period. That is a substantial amount and crucially important to Cork's industrial future.

The report further states that the estimated loss in trade that would result from a failure to provide the required port capacity - which is the Port of Cork redevelopment that is linked to the N28, is €3.8 billion per annum or just below 22.4% relative to projected 2030 trade. This is the equivalent of a loss of €59.4 billion when measured in present value terms over a 25-year period.

The development of the Port of Cork, one of the most important maritime developments in the State and crucially important to Cork's industrial future, is closely tied to the N28. Phase 3 of that development, which involves roll on-roll off traffic, will not happen unless the N28 upgrade is delivered, and nor, incidentally, should it happen, as it would be an entirely unreasonable imposition on residents.

The value for money is significant, the 12 km of the N28 it is estimated would result in 1,100 high-end jobs. If the Government is serious about balanced regional development and attracting major multinational employers outside the Dublin region then projects such as this, and as the m20 Cork to Limerick road, need to be prioritised.

In conclusion, the benefits and need for a road project of the kind proposed In relation to the M28 are clear and apparent. However, there are very clear and legitimate concerns relating to the layout and structure of the proposal at hand, and

We hope that an Bord Pleanรกla can rectify and mitigate as many of these issues as possible.

Le meas Donnchadh ร Laoghaire TD Cllr Michael Frick Murphy Cllr Eoghan Jeffers