Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 7

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   Vision Ensure County Cavan is a quality place to live, work and stay in with efficient and accessible transportation modes and infrastructure.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 286

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   Policy Promote and facilitate movement to, from and within County Cavan by integrating land use with a high quality, sustainable transport system that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport, provides road infrastructure and traffic management that supports commercial and industrial activity and new development and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. To promote and support the delivery of energy infrastructure in the County in an environmentally acceptable manner. 7.1 Introduction The maintenance and delivery of a high quality and sustainable transport network in line with National and Regional Policy is a fundamental element in growth across all areas of social, cultural and economic development. Cavan County Council recognises that the transportation network and the relative accessibility of particular locations is crucial in attracting investment, developing tourism and creating sustainable communities. The road network, which is essentially the only current major transportation infrastructure in the county, requires maintenance and upgrading at all levels. Cavan County Council is committed to supporting an integrated and accessible public transport. Reference is made in this regard to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2022 which includes specific actions assigned to Local Authorities, the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the DMURS Interim Advice Note- COVID 19 Pandemic Response. Local Authorities are a key stakeholder in the ‘whole journey approach’ to making public transport fully accessible to people with disabilities to all elements that constitute a journey. This ensures a universal design approach to the built environment, including footpaths, cycle paths, roads, pedestrian crossing points, town greenways and bus stops/shelters. Cavan County Council is committed to the promotion of sustainable modes of travel including public transport, walking and cycling, and where possible the encouragement of modal change from the private car. In planning for transport development, the Council will ensure that the needs of people with differing abilities are considered. 7.2 Policy Context 7.2.1 National Planning Framework - Ireland 2040 There are 10 National Strategic Outcomes and Priorities in the NPF and Sustainable Mobility is one of them. This seeks, in accordance with Irelands Climate Change Mitigation Plan to moving away from polluting and carbon intensive systems to new technologies such as electric and hybrid systems. The NPF has identified the need for connectivity in the Cavan/Monaghan subregion of the Northern and Western Region, noting that improvements in physical infrastructure will create new opportunities for employment and sustainable growth. 7.2.2 Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy This Strategy seeks to integrate land use and transport planning to enhance the connectivity of people and places by promoting sustainable transport options for people of all age groups and levels of mobility. This strategy also recognises that the transport system of the region is an important component of the regional economy and a key factor in the attraction and retention of skilled labour force. It is recognised that the North West Region is highly dependent on the private car due to the low level of alternatives. 7.2.3 Climate Action Plan 2019 This sets out the Government’s plan of action to combatting Climate Change and its impacts Actions include: l 70% of County’s electricity to come from renewable resources by 2030 l Increase take up of electric cars and vans so 100% of new cars and vans are new cars and vans are electric by 2030, thus achieving target of 950,000 EV’s on the road by 2030 l Make growth less transport intensive through better planning, remote and home working and modal shift to public transport l Increase the renewable biofuel content of motor fuels. l Set targets for the conversion of public transport fleets to zero carbon alternatives.Transportation and Infrastructure 287

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   7.2.4 National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022) This sets out a strategic framework for active travel and public transport to 2030, to help Ireland meet its climate targets. The associated action plan to 2025 contains a range of actions to improve and expand sustainable mobility options across the country by providing safe, green, accessible and efficient alternatives to car journeys. The SMP includes a range of demand management and behaviour change measures and actions that are intended to manage daily travel demand more efficiently and reduce the journeys taken by private car - including an action to prepare sustainable settlement guidelines. The creation of compact and connected urban areas is key to achieving the overarching aims of the SMP. Many of the policy goals relate to land use planning and the design of settlements to ensure that future growth occurs in a more sustainable manner. 7.2.5 Spatial Planning and National Roads – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 The Guidelines seek to achieve and maintain a safe and efficient network of National Roads in the broader context of sustainable development strategies, thereby facilitating continued economic growth, while encouraging a shift towards a more sustainable travel and transport in accordance with the Smarter Travel policy document. These Guidelines set out planning policy considerations relating to development affecting national primary and secondary roads, including motorways and associated junctions, outside the 50-60kmph speed limit zones for cities, towns and villages. These guidelines have been developed following a number of key principles and aim to facilitate a consistent approach that affords maximum support for the goals of achieving and maintaining a safe and efficient network of national roads, thereby facilitating continued economic growth and development. 7.2.6 Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, 2019 This sets out design standards for urban roads and streets, which balances the ‘place function’ (i.e. the needs of residents and visitors) with the ‘transport function’ (i.e. the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, cars and goods vehicles). The manual gives guidance on the layout of new developments (with a view to maximising permeability for sustainable modes), and on the design of individual roads and streets taking into account streetscape and urban design as well as engineering. The focus is on providing streets that are good places to live, work and play in, while providing appropriate capacity for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and cars. The use of the Manual is mandatory for all Local Authorities. Fig 7.1 New bus bays, cycle path & pedestrian crossing at Cavan Institute of Technology 2019Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 288

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   7.2.7 Traffic Management Guidelines 2019 – Department of Transport The purpose of this Traffic Management Guidelines manual is to provide guidance on a variety of issues including traffic planning, traffic calming and management, incorporation of speed restraint measures in new residential designs and the provision of suitably designed facilities for public transport users and for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians (including those with mobility/ sensory impairments). It also focuses on how these issues must be examined and implemented in the context of overall transportation and land use policies. 7.2.8 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, 2018 Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport The objective of this Strategy is to assist in the strategic development of nationally and regionally significant Greenways in appropriate locations constructed to an appropriate standard in order to deliver a quality experience for all Greenway users. It also aims to increase the number and geographical spread of Greenways of scale and quality around the country over the next 10 years resulting in a significant increase in the number of people using Greenways as a visitor experience and as a recreational amenity. 7.2.9 Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022 This document supports the provision of a quality nationwide community based public transport system in rural Ireland which responds to local needs. The National Transport Authority (NTA) provides rural transport services through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022. The key priorities of this programme continue to be directed at addressing rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. The services provided under this programme are therefore intended to fulfil a primary social function, in meeting the needs of communities in towns, villages and rural areas. 7.2.10 Transport and Landuse A central theme associated with the aforementioned policy documents and guidance is the overriding requirement for enhanced integration of land use and transportation. In shaping the pattern of development and influencing the location, scale, density, design and mix of land uses, the integration of land-use and transportation can help reduce the need to travel and facilitate sustainable urban development. This plan therefore promotes an integrated approach to land-use and transportation which aligns with the Core Strategy and directs future development into existing towns and settlements within County Cavan, in order to reduce car dependency. The plan strongly supports the creation of compact urban growth, consolidation of existing settlements and prioritisation of the development of brownfield lands across the settlement hierarchy, which in turn will encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking as viable alternatives to the private car. In order to strengthen the economic competitiveness and social advancement of the County, an effective transportation network is required to ensure adequate linkages. The adopted RSES for the Northern and Western Region supports the collaborative preparation of Local Transport Plans led by local authorities in conjunction with the NTA and other stakeholders, based on Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) guidance. It is an objective of this plan to support effective integration of transportation and land-use to encourage sustainable patterns of development in the County, to reduce car dependency and to facilitate the economic provision of public transport. e.g. through facilitating development of sustainable compact settlements served by public transport. There are a number of existing transport plans namely: l Cavan Town and Environs Integrated Framework Plan 2020: Transportation Study (Mar 2007) by WSP l Traffic & Transportation for Bailieborough (Dec 2009) by RPS l Traffic & Transportation for Cootehill (Oct 2009) by RPS l Traffic & Transportation for Kingscourt (Oct 2009) by RPS The conclusions and recommendations of these studies will remain relevant.Transportation and Infrastructure 289

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   LUR 01 WC 01 WC 02 WC 03 LUR 02 LUR 03 LUR 04 LUR 05 LUR 06 LUR 07 LUR 08 LUR 09 7.3 Sustainable Transport 7.3.1 Walking and Cycling Walking and cycling are the most sustainable modes of transport with benefits including reduction in air and noise pollution, traffic congestion and contribution to healthy and active lifestyles. This mode of transport relies on an integrated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and there is a need for a coherent network that places an emphasis on safety, serves areas where people wish to travel, provides priority over vehicular traffic at junctions and is free from obstructions and has adequate public lighting. Land Use and Transportation Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support and facilitate the integration of land use with transportation infrastructure, through the development of sustainable compact settlements within the hierarchy of settlements as identified within the Core Strategy and which are well served by public transport. Facilitate the provision, where appropriate, of rural transport initiatives and services in order to promote the socio-economic and cultural development of the entire County. Provide for alternative forms of transportation and associated infrastructure in order to reduce the dependency on the private car, such as public transport initiatives and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Engage with the NTA in conjunction with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in the creation of a coordinated sustainable transport plan for the Northern and Western Region to guide and inform local policy in the development of more sustainable modes of transportation. Promote sustainable land use planning measures which facilitate transportation efficiency, economic returns on transport investment, minimisation of environmental impacts and a general shift towards the greater use of public transportation throughout the County. Integrate the County’s transport and tourism strategies to promote increasingly sustainable travel patterns and improved linkages between the towns and villages within the County, with the aim of developing a coherent network dedicated to sustainable transport modes across the County and to the wider region. Provide, where possible, for the establishment of integrated transport nodes. Ensure that infrastructural policies and investments assist and enhance the economic and social development of County Cavan and preserve and improve the physical attractiveness of the County and minimise negative impacts on its background environment. Require all major developments to submit Traffic Impact Assessments and Mobility Management Plans Walking and Cycling Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote walking and cycling as efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transport by securing the development of a network of direct, comfortable, convenient and safe cycle routes and footpaths, particularly in urban areas and in vicinity of schools. Design pedestrian, cycling and electric bike infrastructure in accordance with the principles, approaches and standards set out in the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Rural Cycleway Design Standard (Offline), National Cycle Manual and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets and international best practice. Encourage and seek sustainable transport movement at the earliest design stage of development proposals, to ensure accessibility by all modes of transport and all sections of society and promote the provision of parking spaces for bicycles in development schemes in accordance with Standards in Table 7.4.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 290

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   WC 04 WC 05 WC 06 WC 07 7.3.2 Greenways This RSES has identified the importance of enhanced transport connectivity, to include crossborder road and rail, cycling and walking routes, as well as blueways, greenways and peatways. It notes that the National Greenway Strategy (NGS) has been published by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) with the objective to assist in the strategic development of nationally and regionally significant Greenways in appropriate locations, constructed to an appropriate standard, in order to deliver a quality experience for all Greenways users. Cavan County Council continues to source funding and invest resources in developing Greenways and walking & cycling trails throughout the County which are healthy modes of transport and are key components to movement and accessibility in urban and inter-urban areas. It is considered an efficient and relatively inexpensive form of transport and their development is in line with the principles of sustainable development. Cavan County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland have substantially completed the construction of a 5.5km recreational cycling and walking trail from the town of Ballyconnell, to Bellaheady Bridge, primarily along the Shannon- Erne Waterway, on the banks of the Woodford River, forming a section of the proposed Leitrim Cavan Greenway. In 2020, the Council also successfully constructed a section of recreational trail and upgrade of existing forest trail, not only linking the town of Kingscourt to Coillte’s Dun a Ri Forest Park, but also a link the town to the proposed Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway, a proposed new 30km Greenway from Navan, Co. Meath, to Kingscourt, Co Cavan. Improve the streetscape environment for pedestrians, cyclists and people with special mobility needs by providing facilities to enhance safety and convenience, including separation for pedestrian infrastructure from vehicular traffic. Provide better sign posting and public lighting where considered appropriate and ensure that the upgrading of roads will not impact negatively on the safety and perceived safety of cyclists. Work with the National Trails Office, Coillte, the Department of Planning, Housing and Local Government, the Department of Transport, and other relevant stakeholders, to improve on the existing level of infrastructure and facilities for walking and cycling. Ensure that all new relevant developments are fully permeable for walking and cycling, the principles of filtered permeability are applied and that the retrospective implementation of walking and cycling facilities should be undertaken where practicable in existing neighbourhoods. Funding was achieved and works completed in 2020 on the initial part of Cavan Town Urban Greenway which runs along the obsolete Railway line from Loreto Road connecting to the back of Cavan General Hospital. This 640m section of paved greenway with public lighting is extensively used. Cavan County Council received funding under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020, to progress the development of the Cavan Railway Greenway from Cavan Town to the Ulster Canal Greenway with a link to the Cavan Leitrim Greenway at Ballyconnell. The funding will allow for the project to be progressed to options selection stage. Funding is also in place in 2021 to advance works on a section of Greenway / Blue way from Belturbet Town to Lock 1 at Corraquill. In partnership with Waterways Ireland, Cavan County Council has constructed this trail from Belturbet to Kilcorby, which uses the existing road network and upgrades private access tracks on its way towards Aghalane Bridge. An upgraded footbridge across the Rag River is also incorporated in the design. From Aghalane the trail extends along the Woodford Canal to the canal Lock at Corraquill.Transportation and Infrastructure 291

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   Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028292

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   Existing Trail: Name and Location Aughrains/Drumbiste Walk, Lough Gowna Burren Loops, The Burren Forest, Blacklion Woodford River Walk, Ballyconnell Castle, Lake and Forest Walk, Bailieborough Cornamuckla Walk, Lough Gowna Deerpark Forest Walk, Virginia (A Sli na Slainte Route) Hamilton Trail, Killeshandra Lough an Leagh, (the lake of the cure), Bailieborough Mullagh Hill Walk, Mullagh Portruam/Quivy Country Land Walk, Belturbet Sean Samon Ruairi Trail, Glangevlin Hawkswood Trail, Swanlinbar The Cavan Way, West Cavan Cootehill Heritage Walking Trail, Cootehill Belturbet Town & Turbet Island Trails Dun a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt Killykeen Forest Park Fleming Folly, Ballinagh Lavey Lake, Lavey Blacklion Village and Macnean Link Castlesaunderson Castle Trails Cuilcagh Mountain Park Trails Bailieborough Town Trail Hawkswood Loop, Swanlinbar Cuilcagh Lowlands Trail Gowlan Loops, Blacklion Bawnboy Loop, Bawnboy Agharaskilly Leitrim Way through Dowra Link between Cavan and Leitrim Railway Greenway with Cavan Way and Sligo Leitrim and West Counties Railway Greenway. Aghakinnagh Walk, Swanlinbar Ballyconnell to Ballyheady / Agharaskilly Fig.7.2 Existing TrailsTransportation and Infrastructure 293

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    G 01 G 02 G 03 G 04 G 05 G 06 G 07 G 08 Planned Future Greenways / Trails Cavan Leitrim Railway Greenway Belturbet to Cloverhill Railway Greenway Cavan to Clones Railway Greenway Cavan to Mullingar Railway Greenway Crossdoney to Killeshandra Railway Greenway Boyne Valley to Lakeland County Railway Greenway Kingscourt to Carlingford Railway Greenway Ulster Canal Greenway Sligo to Leitrim North Counties Railway Greenway Killykeen to Cavan Cycling Trail Funding Application Measure 2 Killykeen Forest Park Walking and Cycling Trails Cavan Town Railway Greenway Kingscourt to Dun na Rí Forest Park Mullagh to the Golden Mile Trail Measure 3 Belturbet to Lock 1 (Corraquill) Recreational Trail The Council recognises the numerous benefits arising from the further development of Greenways in Cavan in particular as a tourism product with a significant potential to attract overseas visitors, local communities and all users as an amenity for physical activity and a contributor to health and wellbeing. It is the Councils policy to continue to expand and create an integrated network of greenways across the County and maximise pedestrian and cycle access to same. Greenways Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Continue to develop an integrated and connected network of sustainable greenways and green routes within Cavan and to adjoining counties, in accordance with the ‘Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways’. Progress the development of the proposed Cavan Railway Greenway from Cavan Town to the Ulster Canal Greenway and to the Cavan Leitrim Greenway at Ballyconnell. 7.3.3 Public Transport The Council acknowledges that there is little offer for public transport within the County and that Cavan is heavily reliant on private car as a mode of transport. In order to address this, the Plan seeks to support the growth of towns and villages, increase and provide for additional walking and cycling routes and support the local link for trips within the County and Bus Eireann intercounty links. 7.3.4 Bus The development of a good quality bus service as an alternative to private car is an essential element of an integrated and balanced land use transport system. Bus Eireann operate a number of routes in the County and is well serviced with same. 7.3.5 Local Link Local Link Cavan Monaghan are contracted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to develop manage and coordinate ‘Public Transport’ on their behalf across the Cavan Monaghan region. It was formed under the NTA’s restructuring of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2014. Progress the development of the Cavan Leitrim Greenway and Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway in partnership with Sligo and Leitrim County Councils. Progress the development of the Ulster Canal and Navan to Kingscourt Greenways. Maximise both pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the network of existing greenways within the County. Protect established Greenways within the County against inappropriate new vehicular access and increased traffic movements. Support the enhancement and progression of existing and planned future greenways/trails as listed in Figure 7.2 above. Engage with and support landowners in securing funding for the maintenance of walkways.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 294

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