2006 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Dublin Institute of Technology
Roisin Byrne
DIT- led consortium promotes 'quiet nights' for Dublin city dwellers


Left to right - Ms. Roisin Byrne (Project Manager), Mr. Joost Wellink (Senior Researcher) and Mr. Hugh Finlay (Lead Researcher).

In the vibrant centre of Dublin city, noise is a growing source of annoyance for residents. Traffic, restaurants and pubs, construction sites, shops or the neighbours next door, all make noise. Noise can have a major impact on people's quality of life causing sleep deprivation and affecting health.

The Department of Transport Engineering at DIT is leading a major Innovation Partnership project to tackle one cause of unwanted sound � that of the noise generated by night deliveries.

Funded by Enterprise Ireland and a Consortium of companies, this two-year programme is focusing on applied research into developing 'Low Noise Solutions for Night Deliveries'.

Consisting of Irish based suppliers of automotive products and of acoustic materials (including plastics and surface coatings) and major logistics companies, the Consortium provides a forum for interaction and for exploring innovative solutions. It strives to bring to market new low noise, low cost, products and materials for heavy goods vehicles and ancillaries and for the architectural fit-outs of delivery sites. The collaborative research also aims to develop business opportunities in international markets.

Dublin City Council is having to cope with the unexpected new rhythms affecting city freight transport whilst ensuring an acceptable quality of life for residents. A move back to city centre living, increasing complaints and litigation by residents combined with the requirements of an EC noise directive (Directive 2002/49/EC) and Statutory Instrument number 140 signed by the Minister of the Environment on 29th March 2006, are driving the authorities to promote more sustainable solutions for managing traffic.

The Consortium comprises Arnotts, DAF Distributors Ireland Ltd., General Paints Group, Fitzgerald's Vehicle Body Builders Cork Ltd., Moffett Engineering Ltd., Musgrave Supervalu Centra, Sturdy Products Ltd., TDG, Thermo King Galway and TSS (Technical Support Services) Ltd., and the Ventac Group. Other Partners include CREST DIT, CNMR Athlone IT, Dublin City Business Association and Dublin City Council. Relevant government departments are also involved.

The programme is directed by Tom Corrigan, Head, Department of Transport Engineering, managed by Roisin Byrne, with Hugh Finlay as lead researcher and Joost Wellink as senior researcher.

For further information contact: Roisin Byrne,
Department of Transport Engineering,
Dublin Institute of Technology,
>Bolton Street, Dublin 1.
Tel: +353 1 402 4707
E-mail: [email protected]