Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 151

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   CPO 5.12 CPO 5.13 CPO 5.14 CPO 5.15 CPO 5.16 CPO 5.17 Roads and Streets - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Provide the highest quality road access and capacity on routes of economic importance to the County, and maintain and improve the capacity of existing arterial routes of national, regional and local importance within the County in the context of the National Planning Framework and the Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, including the relief of bottlenecks at strategic locations. Identify the future needs of the national route network and co-operate in fulfilling these needs in conjunction with TII. Promote improved access between the major settlements of the County and important centres in the Midland region, particularly those identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. To protect the capacity, efficiency and safety of the national road network in County Longford by complying with the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads -Guidelines for planning authorities’ (2012). Protect the study area, route corridor options and thereafter the preferred route corridor selected for the national road schemes being progressed in the Development Plan in accordance with National Development Plan Objectives and to prohibit development that could prejudice their future delivery. Undertake the following Corridor and Route Selection Process for relevant new infrastructure being promoted by the Council, but excluding those national road schemes which are advanced following TII guidelines and policy: Stage 1 – Route Corridor Identification, Evaluation and Selection ■ Environmental constraints (including those identified in Section 4 of the SEA Environmental Report) and opportunities (such as existing linear infrastructure) will assist in the identification of possible route corridor options; ■ Potentially feasible corridors within which infrastructure could be accommodated will be identified and these corridors assessed. The selection of the preferred route corridor will avoid constraints and meet opportunities to the optimum extent, as advised by the relevant specialists; and ■ In addition to the constraints identified above, site-specific field data may be required to identify the most appropriate corridors. Stage 2 – Route Identification, Evaluation and Selection ■ Potentially feasible routes within the preferred corridor will be identified and assessed. The selection of preferred routes will avoid constraints and meet opportunities to the optimum extent, as advised by the relevant specialists, taking into account project level information and potential mitigation measures that are readily achievable; • In addition to the constraints identified above, site specific field data may be required to identify the most appropriate routes; and • In addition to environmental considerations, the identification of route corridors and the refinement of route lines is likely to be informed by other considerations. 131County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   CPO 5.18 Roads and Streets - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Reserve lands in advance of investigating the feasibility of potential schemes for the improvement, maintenance and management of road traffic systems throughout the County. Lands shall be reserved for the following potential schemes: ■ N5 Longford – Scramogue Scheme ■ N4 – N63 – N5 By-Pass to the South of Longford. ■ N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) ■ N55 Granard By-Pass ■ N63 Killashee By-Pass ■ N55 Edgeworthstown By-Pass ■ N55 Ballymahon By-Pass ■ N55 Tonywardan-Ardagullion Improvement ■ N63 Barnacor Road Re-alignment ■ N55 Ballymahon to Kilcurry Re-alignment ■ R392 Newcastle to Forgney Re-alignment • The Council will investigate the feasibility of these potential schemes, taking into account environmental sensitivities as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the Plan relating to sustainable mobility. Any future proposals for roads shall be consistent with the other provisions contained in the Plan, including CPO 5.17 in relation to Corridor and Route Selection Process; and take into account the most up to date, available information on flood risk at that time. • Where these corridors have been identified they will be protected from further development prior to the establishment of a final route. • Where corridors have not yet been developed the Council shall pursue the development of these corridors and shall protect corridors from development once established. • Where route selection corridors exist, Longford County Council, in consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), shall ensure that the final route is identified within a reasonable timeframe. Longford Bypass N4 Autumn Road 132Longford County Council

3. Page 153

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   CPO 5.19 CPO 5.20 CPO 5.21 Roads and Streets - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Protect routes of strategic importance within the County, as outlined below, from further access creation and the intensification of existing accesses and development on national routes. Development on the National and Regional Routes outlined below shall be carefully considered to preserve their strategic role and safeguard the strategic function of the national road network, in accordance with the provisions of the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012): ■ N4 to Dublin and Sligo& N5 to Castlebar ■ N55 to Cavan and Athlone & N63 to Galway ■ R194 Longford to Virginia ■ R198 Longford/Arvagh ■ R392 Lanesborough/Mullingar ■ R393 Longford to Ballynacarrigy/Mullingar ■ R395 Edgeworthstown to Castlepollard ■ R396 Granard to Castlepollard ■ R397 Longford/Ballymahon ■ R398 Derraghan to Brickeens ■ R399 Ratharney to Kilcurry. Works to accesses along these routes shall be assessed according to the relevant technical criteria, including the TII/NRA Design Standards. To apply a less restrictive approach to non-residential development of strategic or national importance or extensions to such developments accessing onto the National Road Network in in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.6 of the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads -Guidelines for planning authorities’ (2012), such provisions will be identified in an evidence based plan-led manner for incorporation in the Development Plan. Facilitate essential safety improvements on regional and local roads in order to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the regional and local road network. In accordance with this policy, the following roads have been identified and lands along these roads may be reserved for their improvement: ■ R198 – Gaigue to Camagh; ■ R392 – Forgney; ■ R397 – Terlicken to Keenagh via Corryena; ■ L-1040 – Esker to Killeenatraun via Ennybegs; ■ L1023 & L1024 – Leggagh; ■ L1077 & L1085 – Killasonna. • This policy shall not preclude the creation of new accesses or the widening or intensification of existing accesses along these roads, but such developments shall be subject to assessment in accordance with the relevant technical criteria. • The feasibility of any improvements will be investigated, taking into account environmental sensitivities as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the Plan relating to sustainable mobility. Any future proposals for roads shall be consistent with the other provisions contained in the Plan, including CPO 5.17 in relation to Corridor and Route Selection Process. 133County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   CPO 5.22 CPO 5.23 CPO 5.24 CPO 5.25 CPO 5.26 Roads and Streets - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Improve existing Local Roads in the County in order to create effective routes for the diversion of traffic to facilitate emergencies and road improvement works on National and Regional Routes in the County. In accordance with this policy the following roads have been identified and lands along these roads may be reserved for their improvement: ■ LP – 1016 - From Monaduff 3 roads to Derawley 4 roads ■ LP – 1019 - From Kiltycreevagh 3 roads (East) to Kiltycreevagh 4 roads ■ LP – 1020 - From Kiltycreevagh 3 roads (East) to Cloonelly 3 roads ■ LP – 1022 - From Gaigue Bridge to Monaduff 3 roads ■ LP – 1024 - From Cloonelly 3 roads to Legga 4 roads (North, Main Road) ■ LP – 1025 - From Gaigue 4 roads to Gaigue Bridge (at School) • This policy shall not preclude the creation of new accesses or the widening or intensification of existing accesses along these roads, but such developments shall be subject to assessment in accordance with the relevant technical criteria. • The feasibility of any improvements will be investigated, taking into account environmental sensitivities as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the Plan relating to sustainable mobility. Any future proposals for roads shall be consistent with the other provisions contained in the Plan, including CPO 5.17 in relation to Corridor and Route Selection Process. Prepare access strategies for any lands that adjoin national roads in areas subject to 50kph speed limits or 100kph speed limits in relation to settlements that are covered by Zoning Strategies as set out under Appendix 1: Land Use Zonings. For transitional zones (subject to a speed limit of 60kph before a lower 50kph) on sections of national roads on the approaches to or exits from town centres to provide for a limited level of direct access to facilitate orderly urban development. Any such proposal must, however, be subject to a road safety audit carried out in accordance with the TII requirements and a proliferation of such entrances, which would lead to a diminution in the role of such zones, must be avoided and have regard to the following: Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2020), the Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland (2015), TII Standard DN-GEO-03084 ‘The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on National Roads (2018)’ and other appropriate standards. Ensure that streets and roads within the county are designed to balance the needs of place and movement, to provide a safe traffic calmed street environment in accordance with the principles set out in the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2020), while meeting the needs of all road users. Promote sustainability in road use and the reduction of negative impacts on the natural environment including carbon emissions where possible through good design practice. Provide and encourage traffic calming measures for settlements in the county where feasible and as resources allow. 134Longford County Council

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   CPO 5.27 CPO 5.28 CPO 5.29 CPO 5.30 CPO 5.31 CPO 5.32 CPO 5.33 CPO 5.34 CPO 5.35 Roads and Streets - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Require the inclusion of a Road Safety Impact Assessment as part of any proposed development/ project of a significant scale which may have potential implications on major transport infrastructure. Such assessments shall be in accordance with TII Publications PE-PMG-02001 (Road Safety Impact Assessment (2017) or any future update. Require that a Road Safety Audit (RSA) shall be undertaken on all new national road infrastructure projects, on any schemes or proposals which results in a permanent change to the layout of a national road and any other developments in excess of the thresholds for a TTA and subthresholds for a TTA specified in TII Publications GE-STY-01024 Road Safety Audits (2017), or any future update. Refuse permission for the parking of vehicles, trailers, etc. that use the road network within the County (including on National, Regional and Local Roads) for commercial purposes, whether for provision of services, advertising for the sale of individual vehicles. Request the provision of specific information on the potential impact of proposed developments on the road network. All applications shall submit the required roads form as outlined within the Longford County Council Planning Pack, or any subsequent update. (For specific roads requirements in relation to individual development types, refer to Chapter 16: Development Management Standards). Require a licence prior to each proposed instance of road opening. Works shall only be carried out in accordance with the terms of the licence granted. Consider the provision of suitably designed and privately developed commercial vehicle rest stop/park outside of urban area, subject to the provision of safe access and circulation, suitable public facilities, adequate screening and the compatibility of adjacent land uses. Co-operate with other agencies in the provision of additional links between the national road network and public transport, especially rail and bus transport, including strategic park and ride facilities. Restrict the use of national, regional and local roads for advertising purposes in line with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and to implement the provisions of: ■ NRA policy document “Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads” ■ Section 3.8 of the ‘DoECLG Spatial Planning and national Roads Guidelines’; ■ “Longford County Council Policy on Advertising Signs”. Ensure that the capacity and efficiency of the national road network drainage regimes in County Longford will be safeguarded for national road drainage purposes. Development proposals in proximity to a noise source and located within the Longford County Council Noise Action Area (including existing or proposed national road) should include noise attenuation measures and shall refer to S.I. No. 140 of 2006 Environmental Noise Regulations and Section 3.7 of the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities. The costs of implementing mitigation measures shall be borne by the developer / applicant. The Authority will not be responsible for the provision of additional noise mitigation. 135County Development Plan 2021–2027

6. Page 156

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   Road improvements will be carried out in accordance with a phased programme of works (subject to feasibility assessment described under the relevant Policy Objectives and consistency with the other provisions contained in the Plan, including CPO 5.17 in relation to Corridor and Route Selection Process) are outlined in Table 5.1. Road Improvement Scheme National Roads Project Completion of Design Contract Award Completion of Construction N4 Mullingar to Longford (Rooskey) Ongoing TII Dependent TII Dependent N55 Granard By-Pass TII Dependent N55 Restoration/Improvement Mid to long term objectives N55 Edgeworthstown By-Pass N63 Restoration/Improvement N63 Killashee By-Pass Longford Streets Restoration/Improvement Ballymahon Streets Restoration/Improvement Granard Streets Restoration/Improvement Non-National Roads Project Completion of Design Contract Award Completion of Construction R392 Ballymahon/Lanesborough improvement Mid to Long Term Objectives R198 Road Improvement – Longford to Arvagh via Drumlish. R194 Road Improvement – Longford to Ballywillan via Ballinalee, Granard R393 Road Improvement – Longford to Ballinacarrow Bridge (Agharra) via Carrickboy R395 Road Improvement – Edgeworthstown to Balloo R396 Road Improvement – Rathcronan to Camagh R397 Road Improvement – Cartrongeeragh to Tirlickeen R398 Road Improvement – Derraghan to Brickeens R399 Road Improvement – Ratharney to Kilcurry Development of Granard Parking Access Road Aughnacliffe to Ballinalee restoration/improvement Lisdreenagh to Clontymullen (L5187/L1099/L1096) restoration/improvement Kilnacarrow Road (L52652) improvement Various Industrial Estate Developments Ongoing DoTTS Dependent DoTTS Dependent * All regional and local road schemes are subject to identification and prioritisation by Longford County Council and funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. 136Longford County Council

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   5.2.4 Parking Parking provision can have significant effects in influencing transport choices, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging the use of more sustainable forms of transportation. The policy provisions contained within this plan with respect to bicycle and car parking, including provisions for electric vehicles (EVs), are underpinned by the emphasis provided in the NPF and RSES to encourage more targeted sustainable transportation solutions. The RSES contains a number of guiding principles in respect of parking, emphasising that maximum car parking standards should be applied to all non-residential development proposals and the inclusion of a car parking cap on areas where the highest intensity of development occurs. It also contains a specific policy objective for local authorities to include proposals in statutory land use plans to facilitate and encourage an increase in electric vehicle use, including measures for more recharging facilities and prioritisation of parking for EVs in central locations (RPO 7.42). The Development Management Standards set out in Chapter 16 of this plan set out maximum car parking standards. It is acknowledged that a number of areas of the County are highly dependent on private car use, particularly in areas poorly served by public transport networks. The rationale for the application of car parking standards is to ensure that consideration is given to the accommodation of vehicles, including provisions for those with limited mobility, in assessing development proposals, while being mindful of the need to promote a shift towards more sustainable forms of transport. There is a degree of flexibility, depending on the nature and location of the development and its proximity to public transport. which allows developers to submit a car parking analysis of a particular area, in order to demonstrate the supply and demand for car parking spaces. CPO 5.36 CPO 5.37 CPO 5.38 CPO 5.39 CPO 5.40 CPO 5.41 CPO 5.42 CPO 5.43 CPO 5.44 Car Parking - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Seek to ensure that all new private car parking facilities are provided to an appropriate standard, proximate to the development which it serves and in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2020). Allow for the reduction in car parking standards in suitable town centre locations in order to encourage a modal shift away from the private car to more sustainable forms of transport. Manage the provision of on-street parking by encouraging short term business/ shopping activity, whilst discouraging long stay on street commuter parking and parking by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Require proposed car parks to include the provision of necessary wiring and ducting to be capable of accommodating future Electric Vehicle charging points, at a rate of 10% of total space numbers. Ensure that car parking or EV charging infrastructure does not detract from the comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Seek the provision of designated HGV parking areas within new industrial developments, as appropriate. Encourage the use of materials and engineering solutions that optimise natural surface water drainage as part of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) associated with large scale car parks. Ensure applications for new or replacement rural dwellings provide for the installation of at least one electric vehicle charging point. Ensure provision of car parking in accordance with Chapter 16: Development Management Standards – Table 16.1: Car Parking Standards and associated guidance notes. With the exception of ‘Residential’ car parking the number of spaces provided should not exceed the maximum provision set out. 137County Development Plan 2021–2027

8. Page 158

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   5.2.5 Sustainable Transport Ireland’s carbon reduction emission targets are for a 40% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels by 2030; and at least 80% by 2050. The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to our national GHG emissions and any transition towards a low carbon society needs to coincide with improvements to existing levels of public transport services in order to provide more viable and attractive alternative modal choices to the private car. The Council is committed to facilitating a sustainable public transport system and increasing the level of integration between future development and public transport modes in line with recommendations contained within the publication Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future: A New Transport Policy for Ireland (Department of Transport, 2009). Accordingly, the overarching policy is of promoting a shift towards smarter, more sustainable modes of travelling and reducing the overreliance on the private car. This approach is also in line with National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 5 of the NPF which advocates the expansion of attractive public transport alternatives to car transport to meet the needs of our settlements and rural areas. In addition, given the importance placed on planning for more compact settlement forms across the planning policy hierarchy, there is a clear need for greater coordination between land use and public transport provision. Future growth, both in terms of employment and residential development must be based on sustainable modes of transport. Given the strategic position of County Longford in terms of the national transport infrastructure and arterial public transport routes, 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. The promotion of the use and increased delivery of sustainable modes of transport is fundamental to achieving Ireland’s carbon emission reduction requirements of 20% by 2020 and 30% by 2030. In addition to the reduction of emissions, failure to deliver public transport investment will result in a highly congested network that cannot meet the economy’s transport needs. ‘The provision of a wellfunctioning, integrated public transport system, enhancing competitiveness, sustaining economic progress and enabling sustainable mobility choices for citizens supports the overall objectives of Ireland 2040’32. The following are considered to constitute the key principles underlying future sustainable transport: 1. Favour the established hierarchy of ‘putting the pedestrian first’ followed by the provision of cycling and public transport, at both micro and macro level, over developments that prove more beneficial to car use and dependency; 2. Encourage cycling and its connectivity to existing public transport hubs and centres of activity and tourism, particularly those that provide an onward network of sustainable transport options; 3. Apply the concept of the ‘Complete Street’ design to safety serve all users and modes of traffic in urban and residential areas, and to include adherence to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) 2013. 4. Implement measures that will reduce vehicular speed in urban and residential areas for improved safety and system performance, where possible and appropriate; 5. Support the development of high-quality public space that contain small blocks / small streets, urban parks and dense, mixed-use, peopleorientated design; 6. Use Sections 48 and 49 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000 as amended to secure financial contributions towards the capital costs of providing and/or upgrading strategic public transport infrastructure; 7. Target transport investment that first seeks to enhance the efficiency of the existing network through the application Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in delivering increased information, service, travel modes, and telecommunication; 32 https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/progress_en https://www.gov.ie/en/policy/e9ec84-transport/ 138Longford County Council

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   8. Implement measures that improve the efficiency and sustainability of high quality, urban transport through expanded public transport, capacity, improved traffic management and bus priority, and walking and cycling infrastructure; 9. Facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people in the interest of commerce and enterprise; 10. Secure implementation of transport projects supported by national and regional spatial planning policies, and in adherence to the ‘Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020’ and its replacement the new ‘National Sustainable Mobility Policy’ (2021); 11. Approach sustainable transport comprehensively and agree to undertake regular monitoring to include trip profiles (number, duration, modal use) and emissions, and at critical junctions, to benchmark performance and better inform future Urban Mobility, Permeability, Local Traffic and Climate Change Action Plans. CPO 5.45 CPO 5.46 CPO 5.47 CPO 5.48 CPO 5.49 Sustainable Transport - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective 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 and access to public transport by residents and employees. Ensure that the layout and design of new developments provide for bus stops, passenger waiting facilities, and bus turning and service regulatory layover facilities, as required. Support and develop public transport routes throughout the County through collaboration with the National Transport Authority. Retrospectively provide public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure and facilities in existing development areas to achieve growth in sustainable mobility. Provide suitable infrastructure on public transport corridors to improve safety and efficiency for public transport users. 139County Development Plan 2021–2027

10. Page 160

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    5.2.5.1 Rail Railway infrastructure within the County consists of the Sligo-Dublin line, which provides a service to Longford Town and Edgeworthstown and is an essential transportation link for the county. This critical infrastructure has also been recognised in the RSES, which promotes the provision of enhanced rail services on this line. Given the proximity of key settlements to this key infrastructure, this plan advocates a range of policies aimed at maximising the use of this key regional and national transport infrastructure. 5.2.5.2 Bus Given its location within a national context and the number of key national primary and secondary routes within its functional area, Longford is well serviced by a number of Bus Éireann services, as well as Public Service Obligation (PSO) operators. In addition, there are a number of Local Link bus routes in operation throughout Longford which provide vital public transport links for rural areas to key settlements within the County. The promotion of permeability within and connectivity between the existing urban towns and smaller urban settlements and rural areas remains a key transport goal of the Council. In addition to community bus routes operated under the Rural Transport Initiative, private bus operators service both urban centres and rural communities. It is important that these services are retained and improved. Public transport services in rural areas provides a vital means of access for rural inhabitants to key employment and social services and a means of further sustaining rural settlements. Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon provides public transport for people living, working and visiting the rural areas of these respective counties and accordingly provides access to public services, employment, training, health and social facilities. In recognition of the importance of improving access to and from rural locations, the Council supports the extension of the Rural Transport Programme and other such initiatives which respond to local travel needs throughout the county and wider rural region. CPO 5.50 CPO 5.51 CPO 5.52 CPO 5.53 CPO 5.54 CPO 5.55 CPO 5.56 Sustainable Public Transport - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Continue to work with the relevant transport providers, agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of active travel (walking, cycling) with public transport Support the continued integration of national, regional and local bus and rail services to ensure the delivery of a fully integrated public transport service. Improve access to public transport as part of road improvement projects, where possible. Seek to address urban congestion, with particular emphasis on facilitating improved bus transport movement and reliability, and improved links to bus and railway stations. Support the (NTA) Connecting Ireland: Rural Mobility Plan 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 Longford. 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. Such provision is particularly required in towns and villages not served by national routes. Support bus priority measures on existing and planned road infrastructure, where appropriate, in collaboration with the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann and the Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 140Longford County Council

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