Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

293 Chapter 11: Environment and Transport levels of annoyance due to noise pollution from transport. At the same time, 5.5 million people are estimated to experience chronically high levels of sleep disturbance (EEA, 2022). The EU Zero Pollution Plan sets a target of reducing the share of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030 compared with 2017, the reference year (EC, 2021). Chapter 4 describes in greater detail that just over 1 million people in Ireland are estimated to be exposed to noise levels from road traffic above the reporting thresholds set in the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC). For major rail infrastructure and the major airport, the number of people exposed to noise levels above the reporting thresholds were 85,100 and 12,600, respectively. Technical measures to reduce noise exposure, such as the use of low-noise road surfaces or low-noise-generating tyres, have their limitations. Reducing demand and encouraging a major modal shift to walking, cycling and using public transport is a long-term goal as we move to more integrated spatial and transport planning. In this context, mobility planning will need to take account of designated quiet areas that will be defined in the noise action plans currently being prepared by local authorities. These plans are due to be completed in 2024. Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity Transport can have significant negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity in different ways, including altering the quality and connectivity of habitats and creating physical barriers to the movement of animals between habitat areas or to the growth of plants. NO x deposited on land can drive the loss of sensitive species and in water bodies contribute to eutrophication. Terrestrial noise has an impact on wildlife, as animals are stressed by noisy environments. A literature survey by Shannon et al. (2016) found that terrestrial wildlife start to react to noise at levels of about 40 decibels. An EU modelling study indicates that the level of underwater noise from shipping increased between 2014 and 2019, with the largest contribution from container ships, followed by tankers and general cargo ships. The built environment, which includes all artificial surfaces such as buildings, roads and pavements, is an outcome of urbanisation and impacts the natural environment. The increase in artificial surfaces has been detrimental to the environment because of the loss of biodiversity caused by changes in land use, pressure from infrastructure, including roads, and air and noise pollution. Figure 11.13  Trends in nitrogen oxide emissions for transport sector, 1990-2022, and projections to 2030 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 2030 2029 2028 2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2015 2010 2005 2000 1995 1990 Tonnes NO x Year ˜ Projections Source: EPA, 2024c