I raise the issue of sound barriers on motorways. There is major development around the Dunkettle interchange.

While that is most welcome, with that development comes increased traffic on the roads and the greater likelihood of noise to emanate from that. Unfortunately, at the moment, it is up to TII to provide sound maps periodically. It does that but when the sounds are found to be above the acceptable norms and decibel levels, there is no provision for the TII to provide noise barriers or other mitigating measures it may deem necessary. It says it is the role of the county council. The county council says there is no fund for it to draw from to provide those mitigating measures. I am acutely aware of the timing coming up to the budget. I ask that this be given consideration. I would like the Taoiseach's opinion on the matter.

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, tells me it was raised with her last week, I think, in the Seanad. It is an issue the Government will look at. I am conscious, regardless of where the responsibility lies, that it is a real frustration for people. In the run-up to the budget, let us see if we can address this. I will ask the Minister for Transport in the first instance for a review.