Development plan · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Leitrim County Council · 2023–2029 · 398 pages
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- POLICIES BG POL 1 To continue to support the develop an integrated and connected network of sustainable greenways, blueways and green routes within Co. Leitrim and into adjoining counties. BG POL 2 To support the implementation of the strategy for Greenway Development in Ireland - “Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways” in relation to the development and extension of greenways throughout the county. BG POL 3 To progress the expansion of the National Cycle Network. BG POL 4 To protect established Greenways and Blueways within the county against inappropriate new vehicular accesses and increased traffic movements. BG POL 5 To engage in the Compulsory Purchase Order process, when required, to facilitate the timely delivery of the Greenway and Blueway programme within the county. OBJECTIVES BG OBJ 1 To facilitate and lead in the delivery and completion of the Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway Greenway along/adjoining the former Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) between Collooney, Co. Sligo and Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh in co-operation with Sligo and Cavan County Councils and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent and only where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EU Directives. BG OBJ 2 To seek to advance the design and obtaining necessary planning consent to construct a Greenway along/adjoining the former Cavan & Leitrim Rail line between Dromod and Belturbet, Co. Cavan in co-operation with Cavan County Council. The required planning consent will require the demonstration that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EU Directives. BG OBJ 3 To develop, in conjunction with the Local Rail to Trail Group and local communities, demonstration stretches along/adjoining the former Cavan & Leitrim Rail line subject to undertaking the necessary environmental assessment, obtaining the necessary planning consents and obtaining the legal agreement of affected landowners. 191LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 8 Transport
- OBJECTIVES (CONTINUED) BG OBJ 4 To deliver a Blueway linking Carrick-on-Shannon to Leitrim Village and onwards to Battlebridge subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent and only where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EU Directives. BG OBJ 5 To complete the Blueway from Kilclare to Ballinamore subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent and only where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EU Directives. BG OBJ 6 To promote Co. Leitrim as an unsurpassed walking destination and support the further development of walking trails in the county, augmenting the visitor experience through the provision of enabling infrastructure and visitor interpretation along trails, including storyboards, artworks and other media, to create a greater sense of place, connecting and immersing visitors in our local heritage and stories. BG OBJ 7 To support the provision of services for visitors using walking and cycling trails which are appropriate to the location and activity, including bike rental and service points, picnic benches at scenic locations, public toilets, and other ancillary services in remote areas. BG OBJ 8 To promote the principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ in all trail information panels, promotional materials and events and use all statutory procedures to deter negative environmental impact resulting from use of our trails and outdoor recreation amenities. BG OBJ 9 To encourage access to forestry and woodlands, including private forestry, in co-operation with key stakeholders for walking routes, bridle paths, mountain biking, nature walks, orienteering, hiking, recreational areas and other similar facilities and to retain existing public rights of ways through forest lands where such rights of way exist. BG OBJ 10 To maximise both pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the network of existing greenways and blueways within the county. BG OBJ 11 To work with the Active Travel Initiative of the National Transport Authority and other stakeholders such as Fáilte Ireland and Waterways to develop a co-ordinated approach to the selection, delivery and servicing of future greenways, blueways and trails throughout the county. BG OBJ 12 To support and facilitate the development of a greenway linking Spencer Harbour to Drumkeeran subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent and where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EU Directives. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I192 8 Transport
- 8.10 Public Transport The Council acknowledges the importance of the provision of high-quality public transport services and will facilitate transport service providers where possible to expand and improve in the quality of services on offer. Future growth, both in terms of employment and residential development, must be developed on the basis of sustainable modes of transport to the maximum degree practicable. The south of the county, including the Key Town of Carrick-on-Shannon, is well served by both rail and bus, being located on the Dublin – Sligo national transport route. Consideration should be given to the development of integrated transport hubs within the county and the promotion of public transport connectivity between designated towns and villages. It is considered that ‘Connecting Ireland’ has significant potential to dramatically improve the public transport offer within and from the county and will be supported in this Plan. The Council supports the continuation and expansion of public transport services and will support the provision of additional public transport by both public and private sector operators. It is worth noting the challenges that face Co. Leitrim in that that the county has a very dispersed settlement pattern and the lowest population density of any county (20 persons per sq. km, compared to the national average of 70 persons per sq. km). Furthermore, the lack of viable alternative sustainable modes of transport is also a significant contributing factor for the high usage of private cars in the county. Just over 1% of commuters in Leitrim use public transport, compared to the national average of 9.3%. Achieving sustainable mobility will require working with key stakeholders, including the National Transport Authority, to achieve it through a suite of actions/funding programmes. 8.10.1 Rail Carrick-on-Shannon is served by the Dublin/Sligo rail line with the station located in the adjoining village of Cortober. Dromod is also served by this line with the extent of car parking available having been extended significantly over the past couple of years. Trains operate on the route several times daily. Currently there are no other train stations operating within the county as this is the only active rail line. Iarnród Éireann have produced their strategic policy document entitled “Iarnród Éireann Strategy 2027”. The strategy outlines how Iarnród Éireann will play a key role supporting economic recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic and in delivering high capacity sustainable public transport solutions to cater for the increase in travel resulting from the anticipated population and employment growth nationally. It also outlines how they will meet the demanding targets for reductions in harmful emissions and in delivering the National Transport Authority’s transport strategy objectives. This new Strategy includes developments for commuter, regional and Intercity rail. The Dublin – Sligo route will see increases in services to two-hourly all day with hourly peak services along part of the line, from Longford to Dublin. The strategy envisages a reconfiguration of Sligo Town station and passing loop at Ballymote which will benefit Co. Leitrim in terms of reliability and service levels and double tracking along the Maynooth/Mullingar section of the line. It is envisaged that train sizes will increase on the Sligo line during this period and increased frequency between Longford & Dublin will create further capacity on trains for passengers west of Longford. The improvements to the infrastructure and frequency of trains on the Dublin-Sligo route will be an important contributory element to achieving use of sustainable alternative transport modes in Co. Leitrim. 193LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 8 Transport
- 8.10.2 Bus The development of a quality bus system as an alternative to private car use is an essential element of an integrated and balanced land use transport system. Carrick-on-Shannon is well serviced by Bus Éireann expressway services being located on the Sligo to Dublin national route which includes connecting to Dublin airport. Manorhamilton is located on the Sligo to Enniskillen expressway service with 7 no. services in each direction daily. There is a need for increased bus services to improve connectivity between the main centres in the county and adjoining regional centres. There are also private bus routes which serve Sligo on a daily basis (commuters and students) in addition to weekend services facilitating students to Athlone, Galway and Limerick third level educational facilities. 8.10.3 Public Transport in Rural Areas The availability of public rural transport plays a major role in combatting rural isolation and acts as a catalyst in creating models of partnership, at all levels, where key sectors actively engage in transport provision, to ensure equality of access for all. 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 the programme are therefore intended to fulfil a primarily social function, in meeting the needs of communities in towns, villages and rural areas. The main settlements in the county are serviced by both public and private bus operators. The Local Link currently operates seven routes in Co. Leitrim. These routes are widespread throughout the county and broadly operate between four and seven times a day on the route six days a week. The Manorhamilton to Carrick-on-Shannon route operates three days per week. A new route was announced in March 2021 connecting Ballinamore and Sligo. All of Co. Leitrim is in the final stages of a full new coverage transport roll out of Local Link services. The further development of Local Link and other similar public transport services is essential to provide a modal shift to public transport in the rural parts of the county. Leitrim County Council will work with public transport providers to improve and expand the public bus services within the county and strengthen linkages to other areas outside of the county. POLICIES PT POL 1 To support the continued integration of national, regional and local bus and rail services to ensure the delivery of a fully integrated public transport service within Co. Leitrim. PT POL 2 To promote the use of and facilitate improvements to existing public transport services to support initiatives designed to improve bus/coach/rail interchange facilities. PT POL 3 To continue to work with the relevant transport providers, agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of active travel (walking and cycling) with public transport, thereby making it easier for people to access and use the public transport system. PT POL 4 To support Iarnród Éireann in the implementation of “Iarnród Éireann Strategy 2027” in delivering high capacity sustainable public transport solutions to cater for the increase in travel resulting from the anticipated population and employment growth and in the upgrading of the existing Dublin – Sligo route and frequency/capacity of service. PT POL 5 To support the operation of existing bus services and facilitate the provision of improved facilities for bus users in towns and villages, including the provision, in collaboration with the relevant agencies, of set down areas for coaches and bus shelters for passengers. PT POL 6 To work with the NTA and Bus Éireann to make all existing public transport services throughout the county more accessible for wheelchair users and those with disabilities. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I194 8 Transport
- PT POL 7 To support and encourage public transport providers and rural community transport initiatives to enhance the provision of public transportation services linking the rural villages to the main towns within Co. Leitrim. PT POL 8 To support the National Transport Authority in the provision of and expansion of Local Link through encouraging further integration with other public transport services; ensuring fully accessible vehicles operate on all services; increasing patronage among children and young people; encouraging innovation in the service as a means of reducing social isolation and as a viable long-term sustainable public transport option. PT POL 9 To ensure new development areas and employment land-uses are permeable for walking and cycling and are laid out in such a way as to facilitate the operation of public transport by residents and employees. OBJECTIVES PT OBJ 1 To provide bus priority measures on existing and planned road infrastructure, where appropriate, in collaboration with the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. PT OBJ 2 To deliver, in conjunction with the NTA and the Department of Transport, a Public Transportation Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon to accommodate national, regional and local bus services. PT OBJ 3 To co-operate with the NTA and other relevant agencies in their reviews of the network of bus routes in Co. Leitrim through the ‘Connecting Ireland Programme’, and to support and encourage public transport operators to provide improved bus services in, and through, the county. PT OBJ 4 To seek the expansion and improvement of car parking, taxi and bus set down facilities at Carrickon-Shannon train station located in Cortober as part of the preparation of the joint Local Area Plan for Carrick-on-Shannon/Cortober in conjunction with Roscommon County Council. PT OBJ 5 To provide suitable infrastructure on public transport corridors to improve safety and efficiency for public transport users. 195LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 8 Transport
- 8.10.4 Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles (EV) refer to both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). Benefits of electric vehicles include the emission of zero tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions thereby helping to improve air quality in our towns and villages, as well as reducing noise pollution. Ireland’s target was to achieve 10% electric vehicle usage by 2020. There are a limited number of charging points around the county and this Plan promotes the further installation and expansion of charging points for these vehicles. In 2021, there are only 2 public electric charging points registered in Co. Leitrim located in Carrick-on-Shannon (St. Georges Terrace) and at Mohill (Hyde Street). There are also 2 charging points at Lunneys, Cortober. There is also private electric charging point at The Bush Hotel, Carrickon-Shannon and at Lough Rynn Hotel, Mohill. The Council will continue to support and facilitate the development of infrastructure to increase the usage of electric vehicles by the inclusion of dedicated fully functional EV charging points. POLICIES EV POL 1 To facilitate the provision of electricity charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at appropriate locations. EV POL 2 To support the Government’s Electric Transport Programme to increase the usage of Electric Vehicles with support facilities, through a rollout of additional electric charging points in collaboration with relevant agencies at appropriate locations. (See also ST POL 2 in Chapter 12 - Climate Action and Renewable Energy in this regard) EV POL 3 To support the provision of e-bike chargers at appropriate locations and as part of public realm enhancement schemes at appropriate locations, subject to the availability of funding. 196 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 8 Transport
- 8.10.5 Car Parking The management of parking in the county is important to its efficient economic development. Providing for additional parking in towns encourages further use of private cars and makes public transport a less attractive or viable option. Access to the town centre is essential for the successful operation of business. There is a balance to be achieved between facilitating necessary parking in the short term, and the overall objective in the longer term of having improved public transport as a viable alternative and as that becomes available, of discouraging use of private cars. Car parking standards will also be reviewed in town centres to reflect the proposed modal shift away from the private car to more sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport, cycling and walking where practicable. POLICIES CP POL 1 To manage on-street and off-street car parking to accommodate longer term parking in less convenient and under utilised off street car parks. CP POL 2 To promote, over time, the reduction in car parking standards in suitable town centre locations, commencing in Carrick-on-Shannon, to encourage a modal shift away from the private car to more sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport, cycling and walking. CP POL 3 To ensure that planning applications for surface car parking/Local Authority own developments are accompanied by adequate landscaping proposals to soften the hard landscape and promote biodiversity. CP POL 4 To promote the provision of Age Friendly parking arrangements and further provide for the improvement of parking arrangements for people with disabilities. CP POL 5 To require provision of parking standards in accordance with the standards set out in Chapter 13: Development Management Standards for all developments. OBJECTIVES CP OBJ 1 To implement a programme of traffic and parking management measures in towns and villages throughout the county, as resources permit. CP OBJ 2 To review the need for additional off-street car parks in Towns and Key Villages and, if required, to acquire land to develop further car parks availing of available national funding opportunities. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 197 8 Transport
- 8.10.6 Bicycle Parking Cycling is becoming increasingly recognised for its contribution to a sustainable and healthy form of transport for work, education and leisure trips within and around the county. Provision of secure cycle parking facilities is essential for supporting the promotion and development of cycling as a more sustainable mode of transport. The provision of convenient and secure high quality cycle parking facilities at trip origins and destinations is a key factor in influencing modal choice and should be appropriately designed into the urban realm and new developments to ensure that adequate facilities are provided. A lack of appropriate cycle parking facilities is often cited as a barrier to cycling and cycle ownership and could be a constraint on the future growth of cycling. The provision of high quality cycle parking should be regarded as an integral part of any new development. POLICIES BP POL 1 To ensure the provision of appropriate secure, safe, convenient and accessible bicycle parking facilities as part of any new developments in towns and villages to encourage modal shift away from private cars to more sustainable modes of transport. BP POL 2 To promote walking, cycling and public transport by maximising the number of people living within walking and cycling distance of town/village centres, public transport services (where available) and other services at the local level such as schools. BP POL 3 To encourage and promote cycling through the provision of segregated cycle lanes and paths and improved crossings. BP POL 4 To promote on site changing and shower facilities for cyclists in developments categorised as people intensive such as office and manufacturing facilities, educational facilities, commercial developments, etc. BP POL 5 To ensure the provision of appropriate secure, safe, covered, lit, convenient and accessible longstay bicycle parking facilities as part of any new developments such as places of employment or schools to encourage modal shift away from private cars to more sustainable modes of transport. 198 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 8 Transport
- 8.11 Roads The Council acknowledges the importance of Co. Leitrim’s strategic road infrastructure in providing intra and inter county movement of goods and services. Whilst the Plan supports the promotion of sustainable transport, it is recognised that the roads infrastructure maintains a central position in the overall transportation network. A modern, efficient and safe road network is vital for the future development of Co. Leitrim. The existing public road network in Co. Leitrim extends to approximately 2,150 km in length, with over 56km of National Primary roads traversing the county. Both regional and local roads provide vital links between the towns and villages to retail, service and employment centres throughout the county and to adjoining counties. Table 8.3 overleaf provides a summary of the existing road classes and lengths in Co. Leitrim. Significant investment and improvements in the existing road infrastructure have been made by the Local Authority in terms of upgrades, realignments, maintenance, traffic management measures, traffic calming measures and road safety measures, and it is important to protect and maintain the carrying capacity of this road network in the future as deemed necessary and as resources allow. Table 8.3: Co. Leitrim Road Classes and Lengths Road Class Length (km) National Primary Road 56 National Secondary Road 0 Regional Road 332 Local Road 1,769 Total 2,157 The policy framework pursued within this Plan will support and encourage sustainable and compact forms of development which will have minimal impact on the carrying capacity, efficiency and safety of the road network. 8.11.1 National Roads The national road network caters for the efficient and safe movement of long-distance traffic. There are three National Primary Roads in Co. Leitrim: ● N4 (connecting Dublin to Sligo) ● N15 (connecting Sligo to Letterkenny) ● N16 (connecting Sligo to Enniskillen) The national road network in the county provides an essential means of access from the county to Dublin and other regional centres of scale including Sligo and Enniskillen. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 199 8 Transport
- 8.11.2 National Road Improvement Projects Leitrim County Council adopted an ambitious Capital Programme for the period 2020-2025 which includes up to the first half of the Plan period. The Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), will seek to progress and develop the following schemes within Co. Leitrim: Table 8.4: National Road Projects – Leitrim Capital Programme 2020-2025 Project Estimated Cost (€) Expected Completion N15 Pavement Strengthening 2,040,000 2021 N16 Drummahan Upgrade Scheme 4,930,000 2021 N16 Pavement Strengthening 7,115,000 2022-2025 N16 Munakill Upgrade 12,100,000 2023-2025 N16 Future Upgrade 6,000,000 2023-2025 N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Project 115,500,00026 Planning Consent & CPO by 2024 N4 Pavement Strengthening 2,414,000 Completed in 2020 Total 150,099,000 26 The TII indicate that the cost of this scheme is between €200 to €250 million in their Major Roads Projects Active List published in March 2021. N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Project The N4 is particularly critical in terms of wider connectivity, linking the Regional Growth Centres of Sligo to Dublin in addition to the benefit of enhanced regional and national connectivity to the Key Town of Carrick-on-Shannon. The RSES, consistent with National Development Plan investment commitments, seeks to progress the N4 Carrick-on- Shannon to Dromod scheme through pre-appraisal and early planning and shall thereafter proceed to construction and be delivered to an appropriate level of service within the lifetime of the RSES. The development of a transportation solution to the existing congestion experienced in Carrick-on- Shannon on the national and regional road network is a critical element in the Transportation Strategy being pursued by this Council. A solution is needed to address transportation issues which include congestion on the main routes approaching and, within the town centre. This will be further developed in a Local Transport Plan to be prepared in tandem with the Carrick-on-Shannon/Cortober Local Area Plan which shall seek to maximise the consideration of opportunities to improve public transportation options and improved non motorised modal shift. Details on the Preferred Transport Solution were announced in May 2022 comprising of the following components: (1) Active Travel Component (2) Public Transport Component (3) Demand Management Measures and (4) a Road Component. The non-road components advocate improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure within Carrick-on-Shannon and Cortober, in addition to enhancements to local bus services and specific interventions to control demand and reduce trips, all of which would support an increase in sustainable trip making. This, in turn, could lead to a reduction in traffic levels and congestion in the town. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I200 8 Transport
Source Leitrim County Council: Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029 (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.