Strategic noise mapping, population exposure estimates and 'acoustical planning' mitigation analysis in a european capital city

This paper reports on research conducted to analyse the impact of two noise mitigation measures on levels of population exposure in Dublin, Ireland: travel demand and speed reduction. At the outset, the research utilises the CRTN calculation model, LIMA software and GIS to establish areas of poor sound quality. Then a base reference condition of selected roads within noise hotspots is used as a benchmark for assessing the relative impact of the mitigation measures in terms of their ability to bring about reductions in levels of population exposure to noise for both den L and night L. The results demonstrate that in terms of noise action planning, reducing the level of travel demand leads to the most significant reduction in population exposure for den L and night L. They highlight the significant role that noise mitigation measures can play in aiding good 'acoustical planning' in the future.