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 Lden and Lnight. 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 Lden and Lnight. They highlight the significant role that noise mitigation measures can play in aiding good ‘acoustical planning’ in the future.