Development plan · Fingal County Council
Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Fingal County Council · 2023–2029 · 662 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated), each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 231FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective CMO1 – Transition to Sustainable Modes Work with the NTA, TII and other transport agencies in facilitating the integrated set of transport objectives for the County as set out in this Plan, in line with National and Regional policy including the NTA’s GDA Transport Strategy and any subsequent plan to encourage modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport and patterns of commuting to reduce reliance on the private car. Objective CMO2 – Modal Shift Work with the NTA to develop mode share targets for the County to achieve and monitor a transition to more sustainable modes including walking, cycling and public transport, during the lifetime of this Plan. This includes providing targeted infrastructure in the most appropriate locations and prioritising development at the most accessible locations in order to achieve the appropriate levels of integration and sustainable transport provision. 6.5.2 Demand Management As the demand for travel across the County continues to grow in line with ongoing and future development, this Plan seeks to ensure that this growth is accompanied by appropriate levels of sustainable transport provision, in order to achieve appropriate modal shares. To manage the future demand for travel, this Plan prioritises the following measures: ¨ Land use policies which reduce demand for travel by bringing people and the activities they need to access closer together. ¨ Improved transport options such as walking, cycling and public transport, designing roads and streets to improve conditions for sustainable modes and encouraging behavioural change to more sustainable modes whilst maintaining appropriate levels of access for general vehicular and freight traffic as required. ¨ Control Measures such as mobility management, parking management and traffic management. Policy CMP2 – Managing Demand for Travel Concentrate compact growth around existing and planned transport services ensuring that transport and land-use are integrated to the greatest extent possible so that the demand for travel in general and for car-based travel is reduced. 6.5.3 Integration of Land-Use and Transport The NPF provides policy on developing existing settlements and infill brownfield sites along high-capacity transport corridors. The RSES underpinned by the NPF, provides a robust framework to achieve successful integration between land-use and transportation planning and achieving sustainable higher densities and appropriate uses at nodes serviced by public transport networks. To ensure that the population and employment growth projected for Fingal occurs in a sustainable manner, it is essential that land-use and transport planning continues to be closely aligned. Integrating new housing, employment and services
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 232FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 with high-capacity public transport corridors in conjunction with attractive walking and cycling networks and permeable links to rail and bus stations can reduce the need to travel and support the functioning of a connected and sustainable transport system. This also has the benefit of extending the catchment of sustainable modes to more people and places to support investment in public transport infrastructure. This will enable the implementation of Transit Oriented Development whereby development is consolidated around existing or planned public corridors at a scale or density that supports the viability of high-capacity public transport infrastructure. Adopting this approach facilitates compact growth, a recurring theme in this Plan and maximises the opportunities presented by MetroLink, LUAS and DART+ proposals, as well as the existing and planned bus improvements under BusConnects. Land-use policy within Fingal supports development along its identified high-capacity public transport corridors. This Plan supports high-density, mixed-use development and trip intensive uses integrated with high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure around high-capacity public transport corridors and nodes, through plan frameworks, in order to generate and reinforce sustainable patterns of growth and development in the County. This policy focus is intended to, not only reflect the policy supported in the NPF and RSES but critically, as a measure, has the potential to reduce the climate impact of transport by encouraging a shift from the private car to public transport, walking and cycling. Policy CMP3 – Integrated Land-Use and Transport Approach Provide for an integrated approach to land-use and transportation aimed at minimising the demand for travel and prioritising sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport. Objective CMO3 – Integration of Public Transport and Development Support and facilitate high-density, mixed-use development and trip intensive uses along public transport corridors and to ensure the integration of high-quality permeability links and public realm in conjunction with the delivery of public transport services through plan frameworks to generate and reinforce sustainable patterns of compact growth and development in the County. 6.5.4 Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) ABTA’s are used by Planning Authorities in the preparation of land use plans. ABTA’s place the integration of land use and transport planning at the centre of the plan preparation process. In terms of policy integration, ABTA’s can provide the link between National and Regional transport policies and objectives into local level transportation service provision and land-use plans and developments. This Plan supports the use of ABTA’s in the preparation of plan frameworks for development areas across the County. ABTA’s can also inform the preparation of Local Transport Plans. The RSES includes policy objectives requiring the preparation of Local Transport Plans in selected settlements in the region, including Balbriggan, which is identified as a self-sustaining town. Local Transport Plans will examine the current lack of alternatives to the private car in tandem with land-use patterns which can better affect a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport of walking and cycling and public transport. This integrated framework will inform future investment in sustainable mobility options for the town.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 233FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CMP4 – Area Based Transport Assessment and Local Transport Plans Prepare Local Transport Plans based on the ABTA methodology in conjunction with the preparation of Local Area Plans, Masterplans, Framework Plans, and other large-scale studies and plans as appropriate, in consultation with the NTA and TII and other relevant stakeholders. Objective CMO4 – Local Transport Plan for Balbriggan Prepare a Local Transport Plan for Balbriggan, in consultation with the NTA and other relevant stakeholders. Objective CMO5 – Local Transport Plan for the Blanchardstown Centre Prepare a Local Transport Plan for the Blanchardstown Centre, in consultation with the NTA, TII and other relevant stakeholders. 6.5.5 Mobility Management Mobility management is an effective means of encouraging sustainable travel choices and reducing carbased travel in existing and new developments. Mobility management plans including workplace travel plans can minimise the impact of the traffic generated by developments, and they often include mitigation measures based on assessments of the existing or required levels of public transport provision, cycle and walking infrastructure and parking provision. Mobility Management Plans will continue to be a requirement in the Development Management process and are discussed in more detail in Chapter 14 Development Management Standards of this Plan. Policy CMP5 – Mobility Management and Travel Planning Promote best practice mobility management and travel planning through the requirement for proactive mobility strategies for developments focussed on prioritising sustainable modes of travel including walking, cycling and public transport. 6.5.6 A Sustainable and Integrated Transport Network Promoting the expanded provision of sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling and public transport based on an integrated network approach will help re-balance the focus to those modes that have lower emissions and contribute to creating high-quality environments across the County as well as improved quality of life for residents, commuters and visitors to Fingal. Policy CMP6 – Integrated Transport Network Support and facilitate sustainable mobility objectives set out in the NPF, RSES, Smarter Travel and the NTA’s GDA Transport Strategy and any subsequent plan to ensure the creation of a high-quality and integrated transport network to serves the needs of the County and the wider region.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 234FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 235FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 6.5.6.1 Walking and Cycling (Active Travel) Walking and cycling is a cost effective, sustainable and growing mode of transport. This Plan, as well as National policy and the NTA’s GDA Transport Strategy emphasises the benefits that walking and cycling infrastructure will deliver. To build on current progress and to make active travel an attractive option, the provision of high-quality and permeable pedestrian and cycle networks is required. To achieve this, the Council supports the delivery of a programme of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure across the County, including such provision through the Development Management process where relevant and appropriate. As well as the provision of active travel infrastructure, an important measure of successful mobility is also dependent on quality of experience through quality public realm, accessibility, permeability and legibility. A range of public realm improvements will create attractive urban centres and improve conditions to make walking and cycling a safer, healthier, quicker, more direct and more attractive form of travel. The prioritisation of walking and cycling is a key priority of this Plan through the reallocation of existing road space and improved public realm that is accessible for all. An Active Travel Strategy is currently under preparation by Fingal County Council and this will inform further improvements in the walking and cycling environment including the provision of publicly accessible bicycle parking. To support behavioural change and encourage increased cycling, this Plan supports a range of measures designed to enhance the cyclist’s experience and safety including continued expansion of shared bike schemes, increased publicly accessible cycle parking, cycling promotion campaigns and interventions that encourage people with disabilities to cycle. The provision of convenient, secure and central cycle parking facilities are critical factors in encouraging increased cycling. The provision of strategic high-quality off-street cycle parks, particularly in town centres and close to key destinations and parking for cargo and adapted bikes is also required. Requirements aimed to support and increase cycling including bicycle parking standards are presented in Chapter 14 Development Management Standards of this Plan. The NDP 2021-2030 allocates significant annual funding towards the development of walking and cycling infrastructure across the County. The Council will continue to build on current progress to develop an expanded, high-quality and connected walking and cycling network throughout the County. Routes within the network will have regard to the NTA Cycle Network Plan for the GDA and the NTA’s Cycle Manual while also allowing for the provision of routes identified by the Council that are not featured in the NTA Cycle Network Plan. 6.5.6.2 Greenway Network With significant coastline, canals, extensive parklands and rural hinterland and a generally attractive and walkable environment, Fingal has the potential to develop an extensive network of strategic Greenway routes for walking and cycling which will become an attractive component of Fingal’s integrated transport network. Greenways can serve recreational, commuter and functional users. As such, they offer the potential for a wide range of economic, social, health and environmental benefits. Fingal County Council will continue to progress an ambitious programme of Greenway projects during the lifetime of this Plan as set out in Table 6.1 in conjunction with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 236FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Table 6.1: Greenways/High Quality Cycling and Walking Routes ¨ Fingal Coastal Way (Donabate–Balbriggan) ¨ Broadmeadow Way (Malahide–Donabate) ¨ Sutton to Malahide ¨ Royal Canal ¨ Royal Canal-Grand Canal Loop ¨ Ward River Valley and Broadmeadow River Valley ¨ Tolka Valley ¨ Hamilton Way ¨ Lusk/Rush (via Rogerstown Park) ¨ Donabate to Portrane Village (via Ballymastone and Cliff Walk) ¨ Racecourse Park (Baldoyle) ¨ Millpond Park ¨ Drumnigh Road to Kinsealy Policy CMP7 – Pedestrian and Cycling Network Secure the development of a high-quality, connected and inclusive pedestrian and cycling network and provision of supporting facilities / infrastructure across the County, including the upgrade of the existing network and support the integration of walking, cycling and physical activity with placemaking including public realm improvements, in collaboration with the NTA, other relevant stakeholders, local communities and adjoining Local Authorities in the context of the impact of development schemes with cross boundary impacts and opportunities where appropriate. Routes within the network shall have regard to NTA and TII national standards and policies. Policy CMP8 – Greenway Network Secure the development of an expanded Greenway network in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including the NTA, adjoining landowners, local communities and adjoining Local Authorities where appropriate and encourage and facilitate opportunities for enhanced linkage and connectivity to adjoining towns and villages and their services, amenities, attractions and public transport nodes and to cross-County, Regional and National Greenway projects. Policy CMP9 – Prioritisation of Pedestrians and Cyclists Support the prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists and the provision of improved public realm to make walking and cycling safer, healthier, quicker, more direct and more attractive. Policy CMP10 – Bicycle Infrastructure Improve bicycle priority measures and cycle parking infrastructure throughout the County in accordance with best accessibility practice.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 237FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective CMO6 – Improvements to the Pedestrian and Cyclist Environment Maintain and improve the pedestrian and cyclist environment and promote the development of a network of pedestrian/cycle routes which link residential areas with schools, employment, recreational destinations and public transport stops to create a pedestrian/cyclist environment that is safe, accessible to all in accordance with best accessibility practice. Objective CMO7 – Integration of Active Travel with Public Transport Work with the relevant transport providers, agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of active travel (walking/cycling etc.) with public transport, ensuring ease of access for all. Objective CMO8 – Active Travel Strategy Prepare an Active Travel Strategy to encourage active travel and modal shift to sustainable transport modes. Objective CMO9 – Active Travel Audits Carry out active travel audits in towns and villages in collaboration with local communities and other relevant stakeholders to inform improvements to the public realm and the pedestrian and cycling network. Objective CMO10 – Bicycle Parking Provide publicly accessible high-quality cycle parking spaces, both standard bicycle spaces and nonstandard for adapted and cargo bikes, in town and village centres and key destinations and near the entrance to all publicly accessible buildings as required. Objective CMO11 – Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Support the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure, including bike parking, bike repair and support services, to increase footfall and economic activity in town and village centres while reducing emissions and improving quality of life. Objective CMO12 – Walking and Cycling and Green Infrastructure Network Ensure that new walking and cycling routes are designed, insofar as possible, to function as links in the County’s green infrastructure network and that adequate replacement and additional planting of native species and pollinators is provided and that SuDS approaches are used to treat surface water run-off. Objective CMO13 – Walking and Cycling Network and Tourist Trail Support the formulation and delivery of integrated pedestrian/cycle network plans which connect adjacent communities providing linkages to all modes of transport which will provide links to all destinations of the County creating the nucleus of a slow tourist trail. 6.5.6.3 Public Rights of Way The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) requires that Development Plans preserve Public Rights of Way (PROWs) which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. The identification of public rights of way, as required under the Planning and Development Act, is a difficult and resource intensive exercise in the absence of land law or property registry to facilitate. Often, incomplete or no records are available to confirm the legal status of Public Rights of Way and case law suggests that unless conclusive proof is available, a prudent approach should be adopted.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 238FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Based on the legislation, only PROWs for which their existence is well established and, where possible, documented, should be included under the narrow definition of Section 10(2) (o) of the Act and as set out in the OPR Case Study Paper CSP01 Public Rights of Way and the Local Authority Development Plan 2021 guidance document. Fingal also benefits from a number of existing recreational and coastal routes. In addition, the creation of Permissive Access Routes to high amenity, recreational and scenic lands in partnership with landowners, adjoining Local Authorities, public bodies and other state agencies is considered to be an achievable mechanism to secure access to places of natural beauty or utility. Table 6.2 identifies PROW in the County and is shown along with existing recreational and coastal routes on the relevant Development Plan maps. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Over the lifetime of this Plan, the Council will endeavour to add to this list within the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Table 6.2: Existing Public Rights of Way ¨ Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway Policy CMP11 – Protection of Public Rights of Way Protect public rights of way as set out in Table 6.2 that give access to areas of natural beauty or recreation. Objective CMO14 – Mapping of Public Rights of Way Identify further Public Rights of Way during the lifetime of the Development Plan and to update the ‘Public Rights of Way’ mapping. Objective CMO15 – Engagement towards Improved Access The Local Authority will continue to engage with landowners, public bodies, adjoining Local Authorities and state agencies to improve access to publicly owned lands and to investigate opportunities for additional permissive access paths wherever possible and appropriate. 6.5.6.4 Public Realm and Healthy Streets Public realm refers to all the areas to which the public has access such as roads, streets, footpaths, parks, open spaces and public squares. The quality and attractiveness of the public realm plays a key role in encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport. ‘Healthy Streets’ is a concept for how street environments and the wider street network will be planned to promote healthier, more efficient and more sustainable transport options. The design and layout of new developments will be required to support quality public realm by providing quality urban design and finishes to create attractive, safe, accessible, connected, comfortable and permeable layouts. Fingal County Council will continue to progress public realm projects and invest in public realm improvements and will continue to work with the NTA, TII and other agencies to ensure that public transport projects deliver high-quality public realm and pedestrian space as an integral part of the projects. Permeability is particularly important for those with additional needs; Fingal County Council will continue to prioritise the continuation of widening pavements to facilitate those with disabilities, the elderly, people with prams and small children. Chapter 3 Sustainable Placemaking and Quality Homes of this Plan provides more detail on quality public realm.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 239FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CMP12 – Public Realm Support and facilitate the provision of high-quality and attractive public realm that is accessible for all with a focus on improving connectivity and permeability in accordance with best practice public realm and guidance documents. Objective CMO16 – Public Realm and Development Encourage and facilitate the delivery of high-quality public realm in tandem with new developments throughout the County through the Development Management process and the retrospective provision in existing developments, including the provision of a pedestrianised core in town centres where appropriate. Objective CMO17 – Existing Street Space and Active Travel Review the potential for reassignment of existing street space for active travel modes within village and town centres across the County where appropriate during the lifetime of this Plan. Objective CMO18 – Circulation Plans and Low Traffic Zones Work with NTA, TII and adjoining Local Authorities to plan for motor vehicle routing/ impermeability to create low traffic zones and encourage modal shift for short trips from cars, active travel and public transport along the lines of the Ghent circulation plan and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in London. 6.5.6.5 Accessibility and Universal Design Universal design is the design of the environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age or ability. The need for equality of access to all aspects of the built environment for all individuals is recognised by Fingal County Council as essential for equal opportunities and the development of an inclusive society is a recurring theme in this Plan. The principle of universal design for all is supported and required in the implementation of all aspects of the built environment including public realm and the pedestrian and cycling network including the Greenway network, to create an environment that is safe and accessible and in accordance with best accessibility practice. This Plan also supports the priority for people with mobility issues who require a car to carry out their daily activities where active travel is not an option. The Council will continue to work with national agencies in supporting and addressing the transport and access needs particularly for vulnerable groups such as people with mobility impairment and/or disabilities including the elderly and people with children. Policy CMP13 – Accessible Pedestrian and Cyclist Environment Promote and facilitate a network of pedestrian and cycle routes and public realm that is universally accessible for all ages and abilities in accordance with best accessibility practice. Objective CMO19 – Optimising Accessibility for All Support and facilitate improvements to the pedestrian and cycle network and public realm that prioritise the removal of barriers to active movement, to improve connectivity and permeability and optimise accessibility for all users.
- CONNECTIVITy AND MOVEMENT 240FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective CMO20 – Signal Control and Pedestrians Minimise wait times at signalised pedestrian crossings in order to prioritise pedestrian usage. Except in exceptional circumstances, either Green Person Authority or ‘on demand’ green for pedestrians shall be provided on all stand-alone (‘mid-block’) pedestrian crossings within the lifetime of this Plan. Objective CMO21 – Wayfinding Support the delivery of way-finding systems with an emphasis around highly trafficked urban areas and routes between public transport interchanges and visitor attractions. 6.5.6.6 Permeability A permeable street network is a key component in supporting walking and cycling environments. The NTA’s Permeability Best Practice Guide sets out guidance to assist Local Authorities and other stakeholders to address the legacy of severance within existing built-up areas and to facilitate enhanced permeability within these areas. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2019 (DMURS) and the DMURS Interim Advice Note – Covid 19 Pandemic Response 2020 also includes permeability objectives. Both the implementation of the NTA’s guidance in conjunction with DMURS addresses permeability in both new and existing areas. This Plan seeks to ensure that all development areas are permeable for pedestrians and cyclists and opportunities to improve permeability for these modes in existing developed areas will be sought. The principle of ‘filtered permeability’ will apply in all new development. This will create a more attractive environment for walking and cycling, while maintaining accessibility for local residents, deliveries or emergencies. Policy CMP14 – Permeable Neighbourhoods Implement the provisions of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2019 (DMURS) and the DMURS Interim Advice Note – Covid 19 Pandemic Response 2020 in relation to the delivery of safe streets and overall best practice design and promote the principle of filtered permeability in new developments to ensure that all pedestrian entrances are opened as soon as any new development is occupied where feasible and seek opportunities to improve permeability in existing developed areas in accordance with NTA’s Permeability Best Practice Guide. 6.5.6.7 Safe Routes to School To encourage a modal shift to walking and cycling for school journeys and to foster independent cycling among children, walking and cycling to school will become a safer and more attractive option through the creation of safe, legible and pleasant walking and cycling routes through the continued roll out of the Safe Routes to School Programme. The Council will continue to support initiatives such as the Green Schools Travel Forum as part of An Taisce’s Green School Travel Programme. Policy CMP15 – Safe Routes to School Promote walking and cycling for school trips through support and engagement with the ‘Safe Routes to School’ and the ‘Green Schools Travel Programme’.
Source Fingal County Council: Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated) (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.