Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 5: Sustainable Mobility and Transport
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Kildare County Council · 2023–2029 · 64 pages
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- Aim: To promote and facilitate ease of movement within and through County Kildare, by integrating sustainable land use planning and a high-quality integrated transport system; and to support and prioritise investment in more sustainable modes of travel, the transition to a lower carbon transport system, and the development of a safer, efficient, inclusive, and connected transport system. Chapter 5 Sustainable Mobility & Transport 5.1 Introduction The transportation system caters for the movement of communities and businesses across County Kildare. Inequalities in job opportunities between the north and south of the county are an outcome of an uneven development paradigm centred on large urban centres. Good public transport could ameliorate this by improving access to employment. See the Road and Rail Network of County Kildare on Map 5.1. National and regional transport policy recognises that current transport trends in Ireland and the Greater Dublin Area, in particular, in relation to current levels of car use, are unsustainable and that a transition towards more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport is required. In recent decades dispersed land uses have resulted in people needing to drive to avail of services and facilities. Solidifying the evidential approach to well-planned settlement expansion and new communities, while encouraging the compact growth of existing settlements, will support the establishment of sustainable travel patterns and the Council’s climate change goals. This concept aligns with the principles of promoting compact urban development and sustainable mobility, promoted by both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES). Appetite for more liveable, people-oriented cities is driving a surge of interest in the development and delivery of a ‘10-minute settlement’ concept which seeks to have a range of facilities and services accessible within a short walking or cycling timeframe from home or accessible by public transport services within a short walk from home. It is also a key target of the National Physical Activity Plan to increase the number of people taking regular exercise by 1% a year over ten years by making exercise a normal part of everyday life and providing people with more opportunities to be active. If current trends in relation to vehicular traffic continue, congestion will undoubtedly increase, transport emissions will grow, economic competitiveness will suffer and quality of life within Kildare will decline. Kildare County Council recognises its important role as a local authority in increasing accessibility, promoting active travel modes and reducing car use by a variety of means and to better integrate land use and transportation planning. The Council, through this and other plans, will proactively engage with the National Transport Authority and other relevant transport agencies in seeking to achieve the above.139
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- The overall policy direction of this chapter is to adopt the ‘Avoid-Shift-Improve’ measures which is outlined in Figure 5-1 below. This approach is based on avoiding or reducing the need to travel, shifting to more environmentally friendly modes and improving the energy efficiency of motorised transport modes. Figure 5.1 – Avoid-Shift-Improve1 In addition, this chapter adopts the ‘Decide and Provide’ approach to plan for the travel demand deemed necessary. This approach involves deciding on a preferred future that is desirable and achievable and providing a development path best suited to achieving it. This County Development Plan (CDP) contains a series of sustainable transport goals, policies and objectives for healthy placemaking and sustainable movement that, over time, will achieve an increase in walking, cycling and use of public transport and a decrease in the use of the private car. Furthermore, the CDP includes sustainable transport indicators, including mode share targets, for the purpose of monitoring the efficacy of policies and objectives. 5.2 Policy Context Sustainable Movement and Transport are underpinned by policy at a national and regional level. The sustainable mobility policies and objectives in this plan have been informed by the following policy documents and strategies: 1 SLOCAT. 2020. Avoid-Shift-Improve Refocusing Strategy, https://slocat.net/asi/.141
- 5.2.1 National Planning Framework and National Development Plan - Project Ireland 2040 (NPF) The NPF recognises the importance of an integrated approach to land use and transport planning in achieving the NPF outcomes. The outcomes of relevance to the Movement and Transport Chapter are: • NSO 1 - Compact Growth, • NSO 2 - Enhanced Regional Accessibility, • NSO 3 - Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities, • NSO 4 - Sustainable Mobility, • NSO 5 - a Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills • NSO 8 - Transition to a Low-Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. 5.2.2 The Planning Land Use and Transport – Outlook 2040 This document was under preparation by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport at the time of writing. This document will comprise of a long-term framework to support the prioritisation of transport interventions and investment to further support the delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes. 5.2.3 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), 2019-2031 The RSES acknowledges that the transport sector is one of the main contributors to national Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and emphasises the importance of promoting a modal shift away from a dependence on the private car to more sustainable modes of transport, in order to facilitate greater efficiency in transport networks thereby addressing the impacts of climate change. The Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) in Chapter 5 of the RSES contains Regional Policy Objective 5.2 which will ‘support the delivery of key sustainable transport projects including Metrolink, DART and LUAS expansion programmes, BusConnects and the Greater Dublin Metropolitan Cycle Network and [will] ensure that future development maximises the efficiency and protects the strategic capacity of the metropolitan area transport network, existing and planned’. While the MASP does not cover all of County Kildare (concentrating on the north of the county), it is envisaged that the infrastructure developments in these areas such as DART + West and South-West and the BusConnects programme will positively enhance north Kildare and encourage a natural modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. Furthermore, the electrification of the lines to Maynooth/Kilcock and south to Hazelhatch/Sallins, etc., will assist in freeing capacity and improving service times to other settlements served by the national train network.142
- 5.2.4 Climate Action Plan 2021 This plan sets a roadmap for taking actions that would halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050. The plan calls for a significant cut in transport emissions by 2030 through measures including: • 500,000 extra walking, cycling and public transport journeys per day by 2030. • Increasing the proportion of kilometres driven by passenger electric cars to between 40 and 45% by 2030, in addition to a reduction of 10% in kilometres driven by the remaining internal combustion engine cars. • All replacements for bus and commuter rail vehicles and carriages to be low or zero carbon by 2030. • Increased rollout of rural public transport through Connecting Ireland [42-50% reduction in emissions by 2030] 5.2.5 National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022) The Sustainable Mobility Policy sets out a strategic framework for active travel and public transport in Ireland to 2030. This Policy is primarily focused on measures to promote and facilitate active travel and public transport for all and, in doing so, encourage less private car usage. The Policy is guided by three key principles which are underpinned by 10 high-level goals. The key principles are: • Safe and Green Mobility • People Focused Mobility • Better Integrated Mobility. An action plan (2022 -2025) accompanies the policy and includes a comprehensive range of new and expanded measures across the 10 high-level goals. The plan will be reviewed and updated in 2025 and a new action plan will be put in place for 2026 to 2030. 5.2.6 Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG), 2012 These guidelines set out planning policy considerations relating to development affecting national primary and secondary roads, including motorways and associated junctions, outside the 50-60km/h speed limit zones for cities, towns and villages. These guidelines encourage a collaborative approach between planning authorities and TII in ensuring that Ireland’s national road system is planned for and managed in an integrated manner enabling economic development while encouraging a shift towards more sustainable travel and transport. 5.2.7 Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS), 2019 DMURS provides mandatory guidance for all urban roads and streets within the 60 km/h urban speed limit. It seeks to address street design within urban areas (i.e. cities, towns and villages) and to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities. It sets out a clear and integrated design approach which seeks to balance the needs of residents and visitors (place function) with the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, cars and goods vehicles (the transport function) while incorporating good planning and design practice with a focus on the public realm.143
- 5.2.8 Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, 2022-2042 This strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) over the next two decades. The Strategy sets out measures that the NTA believes are essential in meeting the objectives of the transport strategy to foster sustainable development and to fully integrate land use planning and transport planning, as a means of reducing travel demand both in terms of numbers of trips made and the length of trips. The objectives of the Strategy are: • An Enhanced Natural and Built Environment • Connected Communities and Better Quality of Life • A Strong Sustainable Economy • An Inclusive Transport System 5.2.9 Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, November 2021 Connecting Ireland is a major public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas, and it will do this by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking these areas with enhanced regional networks, connecting cities and regional centres nationwide. As part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan, the NTA is proposing an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services which will provide 70% of people in rural Ireland with access to public transport service which will include at least three return trips daily to the nearby town. (This compares to the current figure of 53%.) The Connecting Ireland Plan identified a number of Regional Corridor Proposals and the following Local Route proposals for County Kildare: • A new route from Sallins to Arklow via Naas, Blessington, Glendalough, Wicklow and Rathdrum. • A new route from Newbridge to Naas via Kilmeague, Allenwood and Caragh. • Alter route 880 from Carlow to Maynooth to serve Narraghmore and Calverstown. • A new route from Carlow to Sallins via Castledermot, Baltinglass, Blessington and Naas.144
- 5.3 Overarching Goals, Policies and Objectives A sustainable transport system is one that is accessible, safe, environmentallyfriendly, and affordable. (ECMT 2004) This definition indicates the need for a balance between social, economic, and environmental goals, policies and objectives. Although Figure 5.2 below fits each goal into a specific category, they often overlap. Generally, pollution is considered an environmental issue, however it also affects human health (social issue), and the tourism industry (economic issue). The Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 is committed to focusing on the need to underpin the planning process with an integrated approach to sustainable transport. Integrated land-use and transportation has a key role to play in delivering social, economic and environmental sustainability. Good Governance and Planning Integrated, comprehensive, and inclusive planning Figure 5.2 - Sustainable Transport Goals2 2 Source: Victoria Transport Policy Institute. Well Measured - Development Indicators for Sustainable and Liveable Transport Planning. June 2021 Environmental • Climate change prevention and mitigation • Air, noise and water pollution prevention • Non-renewable resources conservation • Biodiversity protection Economic • Affordability • Efficient Transport Operations • Economic Productivity • Economic Development Social • Community Cohesion • Safety and Security • Public Fitness and Health • Social Equity (Fairness)145
- NTA’s Workplace Travel Plans, A Guide for Implementers (2013) The Covid-19 pandemic has created a shift towards a larger proportion of the population now working from home which reduces commuter congestion, in particular, car-based travel patterns. This change has had a broadly acknowledged and notable positive impact in reducing emissions from carbon dioxide and other pollutants. and assists with the new Climate Change agenda. While the ‘living with Covid’ future remains uncertain, there is a risk that old work and travel patterns and habits may return over time, if and when the pandemic wanes. In order to maintain the momentum that has been generated, Kildare County Council will encourage employers across all sectors to adopt Workplace Travel Plans in order to reduce car-based travel which plays a crucial role in reducing costs associated with air quality and noise, congestion and climate change. Workplace travel plans can include measures such as: • Facilitating home working and teleconferencing. • Introducing monthly and annual tax saver tickets for public transport. • Dedicating priority parking for car-shares. • Introducing the Cycle to Work scheme. • Covering bicycle parking and proving lockers and showers. • Reducing leased car parking. • Introducing low-carbon business travel policies. • Providing information on public transport availability locally. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) In line with the sustainable transport goals of “Climate change prevention and mitigation” and “air pollution prevention”, this plan supports the transition to a low carbon climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by addressing transport emissions. It is important to specifically address the transport emissions produced by HGVs as they are responsible for a disproportionate amount of transport emissions. HGVs comprised 4% of registered vehicles nationally in 2018, however, SEAI estimates indicate that they produced 14% 3 of total transport emissions 4 . Decarbonisation of HGVs is particularly challenging as electricity is currently not a viable alternative to diesel. CNG has the potential to address these transport emissions with reduced carbon emissions relative to diesel. CNG is natural gas that has been compressed to fit into a vehicle’s tank and is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. The development of CNG infrastructure will enable fuel switching from diesel to CNG for HGVs and buses. The necessary infrastructure needs to be in place to support the technology and a modal shift in the HGV sector, in particular. This aligns with the RSES for the Eastern and Midland region which states that improved transport infrastructure “should be supported by increased availability of low carbon fuels/biofuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as well as implementation of the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland.” 3 In calculating this figure SEAI include all goods vehicles over 2 tonnes. 4 SEAI. Transport. https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-statistics/transport/. Date of Access: 28/09/2021146
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P1 Promote sustainable development through facilitating movement to, from, through and within the County that is accessible to all and prioritises walking, cycling and public transport. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O1 Support the NTA Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (2022-2042) and facilitate and secure the implementation of projects identified within the Strategy. TM O2 Promote and drive a human-centred, whole journey approach to improving transport infrastructure and accessibility in County Kildare to ensure a seamless user experience. The use of kissing gates in active travel projects will not be permitted in cases where they would deny access to those using mobility aids and non-standard bicycles. TM O3 Ensure the application of universal design principles in all new transport infrastructure (including public transport pick up points) and strive to adapt existing infrastructure to become more accessible, where feasible, in accordance with the County Kildare Access Strategy – A Universal Access Approach (2020-2022) and the Department of Justice and Equality’s National Disability Inclusion Strategy (2017- 2021). TM O4 Support the use of gas in transport by a presumption in favour of applications for CNG refuelling infrastructure, subject to the satisfaction of normal planning and environmental criteria. TM O5 Encourage the use of materials and engineering solutions that optimise natural surface water drainage as part of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) with all new active travel, public transport, parking, road and street developments and ensure adequate replacement and additional planting of pollinator-friendly and native species. TM O6 Support and encourage employers to develop and implement Workplace Travel Plans based on the NTA’s Workplace Travel Plans: A Guide for Implementers (2013), in order to promote more sustainable travel options. TM O7 Introduce measures to reduce traffic congestion in town centres such as pedestrianisation, pedestrian priority and/or improved pedestrian/cycling facilities, in particular increasing the number of safe crossings. TM O8 Investigate the feasibility of locations for car-free residential, town centre and other developments, in appropriate locations near high quality, frequent public transport services, as part of the preparation of the suite of Local Area Plans.147
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