Newlands Cross Upgrade EIS - European Investment Bank

South Dublin County Council N7 Newlands Cross Upgrade
Environmental Impact Statement
10.4 Assessment Methodology
Arup Consulting Engineers
10.4.1 Macroclimatic Impact Assessment
The DMRB Screening Method (Version 1.03c) 4 spreadsheet was used to calculate the total
CO2 produced as a result of vehicles travelling on the proposed scheme. The spreadsheet
calculates total emissions of carbon (C, tonnes/year). This was converted to CO2 using a factor
of 44/12 (the ratio of the molecular weight of CO2 to C).
DMRB requires the following input data to assess the regional impact of the proposed
scheme:
• Length of each link;
• Annual average daily traffic flow (AADT, refer to Table 10.1);
• Average speeds (refer to Table 10.1);
• Traffic composition (% HGV, refer to Table 10.1); and
• Road type.
Table 10.6 AADTs used for DMRB Modelling
Year Road Section
AADT
Do Minimum
% HGV Speed (km/h) AADT
Do Something
%HGV Speed (km/h)
N7 East 67804 14 65 68955 14 74
Belgard Road 28203 8 50 28402 8 49
2010
N7 West
Fonthill Road South
59419
17991
15
7
65
56
68584
24561
15
7
74
48
New Road 6323 7 35 7551 7 35
Fonthill Road North 15485 7 41 17748 7 40
10.4.2 Microclimatic Impact Assessment
The potential micro-climatic impacts of the proposed development were assessed in relation to
existing micro-climatic conditions, the size of the proposed development and the nature of use
of the surrounding environment.
10.5 Predicted Climatic Impacts of the Proposed Scheme
10.5.1 Macroclimate
CO2 will be emitted as a result of the combustion of motor fuel in vehicles travelling on the
proposed scheme. Total traffic-generated greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the proposed
scheme will amount to 43,362 tonnes CO2/year in 2010. This is not significant in terms of
Ireland’s commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (refer to Table 10.2). The increase in
emissions of CO2 will be approximately 0.07% of Ireland’s commitment.
December 2007 Page 158