Concerns and objections of residents, landowners and business people living along the route of the proposed Waterford city bypass were highlighted yesterday at an oral hearing into the £140 million project.
Expert witnesses were criticised for their alleged failure to carry out proper studies and for relying on data compiled in the US and Britain which, it was claimed, had no legal standing here.
Particular concerns were expressed over the impact of noise levels on horses and cattle along the proposed bypass.
According to Mr Patrick Tittmar, a noise and acoustics consultant acting on behalf of the local authorities in Waterford and Kilkenny, there were no research data regarding the effect on horses and only limited data regarding cattle.
However, it was admitted that the findings which emerged during the planning and development of the Kildare bypass were not studied and neither was a report from the National Stud sought or examined.
Mr Tittmar admitted to a resident from the Grace Dieu area of Waterford city that he was not aware that 2,500 houses were to be built adjacent to the site of the proposed toll plaza on the bypass. Neither had he carried out studies on peak noise levels which might be expected at a toll plaza. The decibel levels were taken on roundabouts and were thought to be similar to those at toll plazas.
At one stage yesterday, the hearing was adjourned when papers relating to a search on noise levels were not made available to counsel representing people voicing concerns about a noise impact statement. After the adjournment, Mr Dermot McGuinness SC, for the Waterford and Kilkenny local authorities, said the papers were avail able on the internet and they would be made available.
The public hearing has been convened by An Bord Pleanala as it has received 63 objections to the compulsory purchase order for the bypass and 20 submissions in relation to the environmental impact statement for the road project.
Following the hearing, which is expected to continue into next week, Mr Oliver Feighan, the inspector appointed by An Bord Pleanala, will issue a report and recommendation on whether the CPO and the proposed bypass route should be confirmed.
The final decision on the CPO and the 26 km bypass extending from west of Kilmeaden, Co Waterford, to the east of Slieverue, Co Kilkenny, will rest with An Bord Pleanala.