Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 191

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 189 | P a g e Transportation Policy Objectives as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the Plan relating to sustainable mobility. A Corridor and Route Selection Process will be undertaken where appropriate, for relevant new road infrastructure in two stages: • Stage 1 – Route Corridor Identification, Evaluation and Selection; and • Stage 2 – Route Identification, Evaluation and Selection. Transportation Development Management Standard DM TRANS 1 GENERAL In towns, villages and settlements new developments access arrangements shall have regard to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, DTTS and DHPLG (2019) (DMURS) and TII Publication DN-GEO-03060. DM TRANS 2 SIGHTLINES Sightline requirements are determined by the Council having regard to Laois County Council Roads and Parking Standards (2007) guidelines (and any and in exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis. Factors including the type, speed limit and condition of the road shall be taken into consideration: Where sightlines are inadequate and would give rise to a traffic hazard, development will not be permitted. • In cases where an access already exists with inadequate sightlines, it isCouncil policy to recommend the closing up of this entrance and to facilitate another entrance with adequate sightlines. All applications for planning permission must clearly indicate the sightlines available at the proposed access within the boundary of the site. DM TRANS 3 Proposals for residential developments near busy roads in urban areas may berequired to show how it is proposed that impacts of noise are mitigated. A Noise Impact Assessment along with noise screening measures such as facade insulation and noise barriers should form part of proposals, as appropriate. DM TRANS 4 The Council requires the submission of a Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) as part of planning applications for larger developments in accordance with the NRA Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines May 2014 document. These guidelines advise that applicants should consult with the Transportation Department of the Council prior to submission of an application. DM TRANS 5 Where a development requires that the existing roads / footpaths and public lighting be improved / extended, or any other works carried out to facilitate a development, the developer may be required to provide these as a condition of planning permission.

2. Page 192

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 190 | P a g e 10.1.3 ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE A hierarchy of roads exists with the Plan area including sections of motorways, national roads, regional roads, local roads and urban roadways. There has been significant investment into the road infrastructure and therefore it is important to protect and maintain the carrying capacity of the road network within the county. 10.1.3.1 Motorway Network County Laois occupies a strategic location on the National Road network with the M7, M8, N80, N77, N78, traversing the county. The primary purpose of the national road network is to provide strategic transport links between main centres of population and employment. The M7 and the M8 have been identified as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Section 2.8 of the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines which indicates the requirement for a forward planning approach to the provision of off-line motorway service areas at national road junctions and also addresses road-side service facilities on non-motorway national roads and their junctions. Motorway Policy Objective TRANS 16 Prohibit development seeking access onto the Motorway network andassociated junctions through the implementation of the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’.

3. Page 193

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 191 | P a g e Figure 10.1: Strategic location of Laois

4. Page 194

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 192 | P a g e 10.1.3.2 National Routes In terms of road transport, some of the country’s most significant sections of national route network traverse County Laois and important connectors of the eastern and southern ends of the County to the wider regional and national communications network. These include: • N80 Rosslare–Carlow-Moate National Secondary Route. • N77 linking Portlaoise to Kilkenny via Durrow and Ballyragget. • N78 from Athy to Castlecomer passing through Ballylynan and Newtown Doonane. National Routes Policy Objectives TRANS 17 Avoid the creation of any new direct access points from development or the generation of increased traffic from existing direct access/egress points to the national road network to which speed limits greater than 60kmph apply. TRANS 18 Facilitate a limited level of new accesses or the intensified use of existing accesses to the national road network on the approaches to or exit from urban centres that are subject to a speed limit zone between 50kmph and 60kmph otherwise known as the transition zone. Such accesses will be considered where they facilitate orderly urban development and would not result in a proliferation of such entrances, leading to a diminution in the role of these transitional zones. A Road Safety Audit, prepared in accordance with TII Publications: GE-STY-01024 Road Safety Audit shall be submitted where appropriate. Proposals shall have regard to the TII Publication ‘The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on National Roads’ (TII Publications DN-GEO- 03084). TRANS 19 Consider permitting access for replacement dwellings for persons who [or their families] own the original house and site for a minimum of 10 years [documentary evidence in this regard to be submitted] subject to the following provisions: • The original dwelling is in-situ and is habitable; • The cost of refurbishment of and/ or extension to the original dwelling is prohibitive; • The applicant complies with the provisions of the local need factor of the rural housing policy as outlined in Chapter 4 Housing Strategy, Section 4.6of the Plan; • An alternative site with access onto a minor road is not available; • The proposed development can be accommodated without the creation of a specific traffic hazard; • Where possible an existing entrance is used; • Sightlines of 215m must be achieved within the site boundary only and notrequire any set back of adjacent boundaries on 3rd party lands; • The Councils road standards are fully met; • The site is of minimum size of 0.202 hectares [0.5 acres]; • A Site Suitability Assessment must be submitted.

5. Page 195

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 193 | P a g e National Routes Policy Objectives TRANS 20 To develop policy that provides a framework for a less restrictive approach to nonresidential development of strategic or national importance or extensions to such developments accessing onto the National Road Network in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.6 of the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads -Guidelines for planning authorities’ (2012) with TII within 1 years of adoption of the County Development Plan. TRANS 21 The capacity and efficiency of the national road network drainage regimes in County Laois will be safeguarded for national road drainage purposes. 10.1.3.3 Regional Roads Network The regional road network in the county is subdivided into Strategic Regional Roads and Regional Roads. In the case of strategic regional roads and regional roads, especially those which have a high carrying capacity, the Council shall adopt a restrictive policy in relation to new development in the interests of traffic safety. A policy to review the carrying capacity of these routes could be considered which would provide the evidential basis that could be used to strengthen if required protection of such routes. Regional and Strategic Regional Road Policy Objective TRANS 21 Carry out a carrying capacity review of all strategic regional routes and regional routes to inform future policy on protection if required. Strategic Regional Roads There are 17 Strategic Regional Roads in County Laois linking the main county towns to the national routes and M7 and M8 motorways. These are shown in the table below. Table 10.1: Strategic Regional Roads in County Laois Road Name Location R419 Junction with R445 (Great Heath) to County Boundary (Portarlington) R420 Junction with R419 (Portarlington) to Junction with R445 (Killinure) R421 County Boundary (Ballynahown) to Junction with R422 (Coolagh Cross Rds) R422 Junction with R419 (Coolagh Cross Roads) to Junction with R445 at New Inn R423 Junction with R445 (Mountrath) to Junction with N80 (Derryclooney) R425 Junction with N77 (Abbeyleix) to Junction with R445 (Rathbrennan) R426 Junction with N80 (Portlaoise) to Junction with R430 at the Swan R427 Junction with R425 (Cashel) to Junction with N80 (Stradbally Town) R428 Junction with N80 (Stradbally) to County Boundary (Blackford) R430 Junction with R445 (Mountrath) to County Boundary (Carlow)

6. Page 196

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 194 | P a g e Road Name Location R433 Junction with N77 (Abbeyleix) to County Boundary (Knockahaw) R434 Junction with R445 (Sentryhill) to Junction with N77 (Durrow) R435 Junction with R445 (Borris-in-Ossory) to County Boundary (Rossdaragh) R445 County Boundary (Ballaghmore) to County Boundary (Killinure) R639 Junction with N77 (Durrow) to Kilkenny County Boundary (Old Town) R941 Junction with N77 (Knockmay) to Junction with N80 (Clonreher) Strategic Regional Roads Policy Objectives TRANS 22 Prohibit unnecessary access onto strategic regional routes in areas where speed limits in excess of 50kmph applies. Regional Roads There are 2 Regional Roads in County Laois linking the main county towns. These are shown in the table below. The remaining regional roadways that are not listed in Table 16 are classified as standard regional roadways. The Council shall also adopt a restrictive approach in relation to new development along these roadways also. Table 10.2: Regional Roads Road Name Location R440 Junction with R423 (Ballyfin Rd) to Offaly County Boundary (Baunreagh) R432 Junction with Ballinakill Rd to Kilkenny County Boundary (Kilcronan) Regional Roads Policy Objectives TRANS 23 Restrict development requiring access onto Regional Roads where speed limits in excess of 50kmph apply. 10.1.3.4 County Roads and Urban Roads/Streets County roads (or local roads) form the bulk of the road network in County Laois (a total of 1,718 km) and serve an important economic role because of the dispersed nature of the population in the county. Urban roads and streets are located in towns and villages and provide essential access from residential areas to retail streets, commercial lands and amenity areas. Laois County Council has responsibility for the carrying out of maintenance and improvement works on these roads, financed from their own resources and supplemented by state grants. Sight distance requirements for the above roads are outlined in the Council’s Road Design Section document titled Roads and Parking Standards (2007) or any proceeding document thereafter.

7. Page 197

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 195 | P a g e 10.1.3.5 Laois County Council Priority Road Projects Priority Roads Projects Policy Objectives TRANS 25 Facilitate the following priority road projects during the lifetime of the Plan period 2021 -2027: Key Town – Portlaoise i. M7 Junction 17 Off Ramp at Togher National Enterprise Park, Portlaoise; ii. Togher, Portlaoise Link Road Phase 2; iii. Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route (PNOR) iv. N80 Mountmellick Road , Portlaoise Improvements; v. R445 Mountrath Road, Portlaoise Improvements; Key Town – Graiguecullen i. Carlow Northern Relief Road Extension; Self-Sustaining Growth Town – Portarlington Portarlington Relief Road; County Wide roads projects i. Rathdowney Traffic Improvements Phase 2 ii. M7/M8 Interconnector iii. Improvements to the N80 including Mountmellick By-pass iv. Improvements to N77 v. Improvements to N78 Local Roads Policy Objectives TRANS 24 Ensure that the Council’s own development and those of other developers and agencies has regard to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DTTS and DHPLG, 2019). Proposals shall: • Consider the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users ahead of the needs of private car drivers; • Seek to create more attractive places on roads/streets which communities can understand and enjoy; • Seek to ensure that the design of the road/street is influenced by its function and the contexts of the places that road/street passes through, and that permeable and legible street networks are promoted; • Have regard to the detailed advice and standards within in the Manual including: o Speed limits and traffic and congestion management; o Street landscaping and active street edges; o Control of traffic noise and pollution, Signage and line marking; o Street furniture and lighting, Material and finishes; o Historical contexts; o Pedestrianised and shared surface areas.

8. Page 198

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 196 | P a g e Priority Roads Projects Policy Objectives vi. Interurban Cycle facilities on former National Routes; vii. Ongoing Bridge Maintenance. 10.1.4 GUIDANCE ON ROAD ASSESSMENT 10.1.4.1 Traffic and Transport Assessments Developers will be required to undertake Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) for development proposals, which may generate significant additional trips/travel, including road traffic, with potentially significant implications for national and non-national roads. TTAs are used to assess the transport impacts of a proposed development, incorporating any subsequent measures necessary to ensure roads and junctions and other transport infrastructure in the vicinity of the development remain fit for purpose and encourage a shift towards sustainable travel modes. Thresholds for TTAs are contained within the Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines 2014. The TTA should also address urban design impacts of proposed public and private transport proposals and also deal with delivery and monitoring regimes for various aspects. 10.1.4.2 Road Safety Audits Road Safety Audits are generally required when a development requires a new access to a national road or significant changes to an existing access. Guidance for the preparation of road safety audits is included in the NRA [TII] Design Manual for Roads and Bridges 10.1.4.3 Mobility Plans Mobility management plans/travel plans are proposals which will minimise the impact of the traffic generated by their development. They include mitigation measures which will take account of the findings of a Traffic & Transport Assessment (TTA). They bring together transportation requirements; employers, staff and site management issues in a coordinated manner. Measures that should be included are integration with public transport, promotion of car sharing/pooling, parking pricing and control and the encouragement of cycling and walking by the provision of cycling and walking routes and secure cycle parking. The NTA document “Achieving Effective Workplace Travel Plans – Guidance for Local Authorities” also provides guidance on proposals to encourage employees to walking, cycling or carpool to the workplace. Road Assessment Policy Objectives TRANS 26 Require the submission of a Traffic and Transport Assessment including mobility management plans in accordance with the guidelines in the Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines 2014, for developments with the potential to create significant additional demands on the traffic network by virtue of the nature of their activity, the number of employees, their location or a combination of these factors and for significant developments affecting the national and non-national road Network. TRANS 27 Require a Road Safety Audit for developments that require a new access to a national road or significant changes to an existing access in accordance with the guidance included in the TII Publications GE-STY-01024 Road Safety Audit.

9. Page 199

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   Chapter 10 Infrastructure 197 | P a g e 10.1.5 CAR PARKING AND CYCLE PARKING Car parking requirements are to comply with standards contained in Table 10.3 (see below) and the following Policy Objectives and Development Management Standards. Table 10.3: Land Use Parking Space Requirements Land Use Parking standard requirement Houses 2 per Dwelling25 Apartments/Flats 1.26 - 2 per Unit Retail 1 per 26m2 gross floor space Offices 1 per 20m2 gross floor space Financial Institutions 1 per 20 m2 gross floor space Retail warehousing 1 per 36 m2 gross floor space Cash and Carry Outlets 2 per 90 m2 plus adequate loading/unloading and circulation facilities Industry 1 per 60 m2 gross floor space or 1 per 4no. employees, whichever is greater Warehousing 1 per 100 m2 gross floor space or 1 space per 4no.employees, whichever is greater Hotels, B&B’s, Guesthouses* 1 space per bedroom Bars and Lounges* 1 per 7 m2 gross floor space within speed limit 2 per 7 m2 gross floor space outside speed limit Dance Areas, Dance Halls and Function Rooms 1 per 3 m2 gross floor space Restaurants 1 per table Take away 6 per unit Commercial Garage 1 per 30 m2 25 It is encouraged that parking spaces must be provided on site of the dwelling. NOTE: Bars and lounges, dancing areas, accommodation and function rooms to be calculated separately. Any development type not listed above shall be determined by the Planning Authority. Where settlements are covered by a Local Area Plan or Village Policy Statement, the provision for parking shall comply with the relevant document

10. Page 200

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    Chapter 10 Infrastructure 198 | P a g e Land Use Parking standard requirement Service Station 1 per 300 m2 gross floor space + shop requirements Showrooms 1 per 100 m2 gross floor space+ shop requirements Hospitals 1 per bed Nursing homes 1 per 2 bedrooms Surgeries/Clinics 2 per consulting room Funeral home 1 per 10 m2 gross floor space Childcare/crèche/ montessori 1 per employee + 0.26 per child Schools 2 per classroom plus sufficient bus circulation and off- loading facilities to cater for schoolgoing population Community Centre/Sports Club 1 per 14 m2 gross floor space or 2 per 90 m2 gross floor space plus 2% whichever is greater Golf and Pitch and Putt Courses 2 per hole Golf Driving Range 1 per bay Bowling Alley* 1 per lane Theatre/ Cinema/Stadia/Churches* 1 per 6 seats Non-Retail Service Outlet e.g. Hairdressers, Bookmakers etc 3 per 100m2 gross floor area Parking Policy Objectives TRANS 28 Ensure that the provision of adequate parking facilities, including disabled parking, shall form part of the assessment of any application for development in accordance with the standards contained in Table 10.3: Land Use ParkingSpace Requirements. Where it is not possible to provide parking for the proposed development within the site, the matter will be dealt with in accordance with an approved Development Contribution Scheme. A relaxation of car parking requirement may be considered where a development is located in town centre locations, in close proximity to public transport or for certain types of housing developments such as assisted living units. TRANS 29 Ensure that in the cases of certain activities where it can be demonstrated to the Planning Authority that there is a clear time demarcation between uses, dual use of parking spaces may be permitted. Such assessments shall be determined ona site by site basis and according to their merits.

Source Laois County Council: Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.