Development plan · Louth County Council
Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Louth County Council · 2021–2027 · 548 pages
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- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-13 called the Causeway Study that is supported by the European Commission through the CEF Transport Fund and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The Plan will support the use of gas in transport and will facilitate the provision of any refuelling infrastructure in appropriate locations in the County, subject to the requirements set out in Section 13.14.5 ‘Service Stations and Retailing’ and any other relevant planning and environmental considerations. 7.6.4 Car Sharing Car sharing (also known as car clubs) is based on the principle of a car being available for use when needed. There are a number of companies providing this service across the country. It is a useful option for people who don’t want to own a car. There are a number of potential benefits to car sharing including reduced congestion, and if there is sufficient uptake/demand for the service, a reduction in car parking requirements. This Plan recognises the potential role of car sharing in reducing the number of vehicles and associated congestion in the larger urban areas in the County. Policy Objective MOV 13 To facilitate provision of car sharing infrastructure and facilities in appropriately located areas in the County. 7.6.5 Public Transport Public transport provision in Louth consists of bus, rail and rural transport services in addition to taxi services. There are local services that provide connections between settlements within the County and regional services that provide connections to the wider region, in particular to Dublin. The provision of public transport is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Council will continue to engage with the NTA in seeking to improve transport services and infrastructure in the County that will improve connectivity and assist in addressing issues of exclusion and isolation, particularly in the more rural areas in the County. Policy Objective MOV 14 To engage and work closely with the relevant transport authorities and operators, both public and private in facilitating and securing improvements to and the expansion of public transport infrastructure and services in the County. Policy Objective MOV 15 To encourage a modal shift from use of the private car towards more sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling, and public transport. 7.6.6 Rail Services The northern rail line travels through Louth, with two stations in the County located in Drogheda and Dundalk. Services operating from these stations include commuter services to Dublin and the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise (Inter-City) service.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-14 At present there are constraints on this line due to the limitation on train paths travelling through the city centre section between Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock. The City Centre Resignalling Project (CCRP) will provide additional capacity, with the number of train paths increasing from 12 to 20 per hour in each direction. This project also involves the modernisation of signalling equipment with computer based interlocking to replace the existing relay based signalling systems. The CCRP is to be executed in 4 phases, with 2 phases due for completion in Q4 of 2020. The DART Expansion Programme, which will include the provision of DART services between Dublin City Centre and Drogheda, will increase capacity and the frequency of services and create a more efficient transport system. This is a major infrastructure project that will be delivered on a phased basis. Works required on the northern line include signalling and telecommunications infrastructure, electrification and power supply, bridge reconstructions to facilitate corridor widening, the upgrade of maintenance depots, provision of higher capacity turnback at Drogheda and additional rolling stock. This project has been included in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. At the time of writing (Q2 of 2020) the procurement of consultants was ongoing. It is anticipated planning and design works will commence in Q1 of 2021. Irish Rail, in association with the Northern Ireland public transport provider Translink, published a Strategic Plan in June 2018 outlining proposals for improvements to the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise Service.4 4 Better Connecting Dublin and Belfast Enterprise Strategic Development Plan June 2018 This includes the introduction of an hourly service between the two cities, infrastructure enhancements to improve journey times and connections and electrification through investment in infrastructure and rolling stock. The NPF and RSES support improvements to this service.5 Whilst the Dublin-Belfast rail line passes through Dunleer there is no rail service in the town. It is recognised that Dunleer offers the potential for an improved rail service for the mid and south Louth areas. Policy Objective MOV 16 To support the completion of the City Centre Resignalling Project (CCRP) which will provide additional capacity in the rail network. Policy Objective MOV 17 To support the DART Expansion Programme including new infrastructure and the electrification of existing lines along the northern rail line to Drogheda. 5 Regional Policy Objective 8.12 supports the delivery of a higher speed rail service between Belfast, Dublin, and Cork Policy Objective MOV 18 To support the provision of a higher speed rail service between Dublin and Belfast and any associated infrastructure investment and works required.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-15 7.6.7 Rail based Park and Ride Facilities There are existing Park and Ride facilities at Drogheda and Dundalk Rail Stations. Both facilities are well utilised. As part of the preparation of the Local Transport Plans for Drogheda and Dundalk the requirement for additional capacity will be reviewed. 7.6.8 Bus Services Bus services in Louth are operated by public and private operators and provide a range of services that provide connections to settlements within the County and the wider region. There are frequent express coaches and stopping services from Drogheda and Dundalk to Dublin in addition to frequent services linking these towns. There are also cross border services to Newry where there are opportunities for onward connections. Ardee is also well served by public and private express bus services to Dublin with services originating in Monaghan, Donegal and Derry travelling through the town. Within Drogheda and Dundalk there are local services that provide links between the town centre and surrounding area. In 2019 there were significant enhancements between Drogheda and Laytown with a high frequency service provided along the route. Policy Objective MOV 21 To support the National Transport Authority (NTA) and other stakeholders and community groups in improving bus services and infrastructure in the County. Policy Objective MOV 22 To engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and other stakeholders and community groups in encouraging bus operators to provide improved services in and through the County. 7.6.9 Park and Ride and Park and Share Facilities As part of the strategy of promoting more sustainable modes of transport and reducing emissions from the transport sector there are opportunities for the development of bus based Park and Ride and car based Park and Share facilities in the County. The bus based facilities would make public transport more accessible whilst the car based facilities could be utilised by commuters who car pool. Such facilities would reduce traffic congestion and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. Policy Objective MOV 19 To secure, in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority, improved rail services for the mid and south Louth areas and in particular to seek to examine the feasibility of reopening the rail station in Dunleer and providing additional new rail stations for north Drogheda, south Dundalk and the mid-Louth area. Policy Objective MOV 20 To support the improvement of rail based park and ride facilities in Drogheda and Dundalk, including the provision of car charging facilities.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-16 Policy Objective MOV 23 To work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and any other stakeholders in identifying suitable locations for and the development of bus based park and ride and car based park and share facilities in the County. 7.6.10 Rural Transport The National Transport Authority has responsibility for the provision of rural transport services across the country. This is delivered through the ‘Local Link’ Programme and has two main funding streams from the Department of Transport and the Department of Social Protection (Free Travel Pass Scheme). The objective of this scheme is to reduce rural isolation and social exclusion and integrate rural transport services with other public transport services i.e. scheduled bus and rail services. The ‘Local Link’ Service for Louth, Meath, and Fingal is currently operated by Flexibus. This includes door to door and scheduled bus services in towns, villages and rural areas in the County. The service is community based with the services developed on a partnership approach between various community organisations, the Local Authority and Agencies responsible for accessible transport provision. Journey types provided by this service include work, shopping, social, education and health related journeys. This Plan recognises the importance of rural transport in providing a social and economic connection between towns and villages, with the Local Link service having a pivotal role in revitalising rural towns and villages that will improve access to employment, public services and social networks that will support a high quality of life in rural areas. Public transport in rural areas also has an important role in supporting and developing tourism in towns and villages through the provision of services that can enable and facilitate visitor accessibility. As part of the national policy of enhancing connectivity and improving sustainable mobility, the National Transport Authority is preparing a Rural Mobility Plan ‘Connecting Ireland’, which will seek to increase connectivity and improve mobility in rural areas. The implementation of this Plan would have social and economic benefits to the rural areas of the County by bringing people closer together and making the rural towns and villages more attractive for economic investment. This Plan is due to be published towards the end of 2021. The Council is working closely with the NTA on the preparation of this Plan and improving connectivity and promoting the use of public transport in rural areas. Policy Objective MOV 24 To continue to support the ‘Local Link’ rural transport service and to encourage operators to improve the service to meet the social and economic needs of the rural communities in the County.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-17 Policy Objective MOV 25 To support and work with the National Transport Authority in finalising and implementing the Rural Mobility Plan ‘Connecting Ireland’ in order to improve public transport connectivity and sustainable mobility between towns and villages in the County. 7.6.11 Cycling and Walking Cycling and walking are a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport that have individual and community benefits, which encourage an active lifestyle, improve fitness levels and facilitate greater social interaction between people. They are also an efficient mode of transport, particularly in urban areas where there are congestion issues. In addition, cycling and walking require less road space than the private car and the requirement to find a car parking space is also removed. By implementing the principles of good urban design through the arrangement of land uses and the creation of well connected streets and neighbourhoods between residential areas, neighbourhood centres, schools, and places of work, people will be encouraged to walk and cycle more. The Council has supported the development of walking and cycling infrastructure throughout the County to encourage a modal shift away from a dependence on the private car. This Plan will continue to support and facilitate the provision of this infrastructure that would provide a more comfortable and attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Policy Objective MOV 26 To support the retrospective provision of walking and cycling infrastructure in existing settlements, where feasible, to achieve growth in sustainable mobility and strengthen and improve the walking and cycling network. Policy Objective MOV 27 To support permeability and connectivity throughout the Plan area that will improve connections within existing and between existing and and new neighbourhoods. This includes vehicular and/or active travel connections between developed and undeveloped lands. Where such a connection would traverse an area of open space it will only be facilitated where the functionality of the open space will not be undermined. The principle of ‘Filtered Permeability’ will also be considered where appropriate/feasible. Policy Objective MOV 28 To improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity to schools, third level colleges, major employment areas, bus and rail stations, and other public transport hubs. Policy Objective MOV 29 To review the feasibility and implementation (where deemed necessary) of the 30km/h zones in Drogheda and Dundalk in creating attractive, low speed environments.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-18 7.6.12 Greenways Greenways are off-road trails dedicated to non-motorised transport including walking and cycling. They are a valuable recreational amenity that promote an active and healthy lifestyle and are also an important tourism asset. The Council will support improvements in the links between greenways, town centres and existing walking and cycling infrastructure and is committed to continuing to develop and invest in the network of Greenways in the County as follows: Great Eastern Greenway: The Great Eastern Greenway currently runs from Carlingford to Omeath along the shore of Carlingford Lough. It was constructed largely along the former railway line. It is proposed to extend this greenway firstly to Newry and then to Dundalk incorporating Greenore and Templetown which would increase the length of the trail to approx. 55km and significantly improve the recreational infrastructure and cross border links along this unique coastline. Policy Objective MOV 30 To promote walking and cycling as a safe, convenient, healthy, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport for all age groups. Policy ObjectivePolicy Objective MOV 31 To continue to work and engage with the National Transport Authority, the Department of Transport, any other agencies in developing a modern network of walking and cycling infrastructure in the County. Policy Objective MOV 32 To provide, where possible traffic free pedestrian and cyclist routes particularly where such routes would provide a more direct, safer, and more attractive alternative to the car. Policy Objective MOV 33 To encourage the provision of secure bicycle parking facilities in town and villages in the County. Policy Objective MOV 34 To plan and develop a Louth Coastal Way along the east coast subject to appropriate environmental considerations.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-19 Louth Coastal Way: As part of the Louth Coastal defence project, it is envisaged that elements of the Dundalk to Blackrock Greenway and Baltray to Drogheda Greenway will be incorporated into these defence schemes. These sections of Greenway will form part of the National Cycle Network (Corridor 5, Dundalk to Wexford). Dundalk – Sligo Greenway: The Dundalk – Sligo Greenway will form part of the National Cycle Network (Corridor 1). The route will run westwards linking Dundalk to Sligo town, extending some 176km through five counties. The Council will work in cooperation with Monaghan County Council to progress the Dundalk to Castleblayney section of the Greenway. Boyne Greenway: Phase 1 of the Boyne Greenway runs from Dominic’s Park on the south bank of the River Boyne to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge via the existing ramparts. The greenway is a valuable amenity in the southern part of the County. Future phases of this Greenway include an extension from Drogheda to Mornington. It is anticipated that the extended route will pass through Drogheda and follow the southern edge of the Boyne east of the town and out to Mornington. This Greenway will form part of the National Cycle Network (Corridor 5 and 15) linking from the East Coast Trail at Drogheda to the cross country EuroVelo Route 2 from Galway to Dublin south-west of Trim. The Council will continue to work in conjunction with Meath County Council in progressing the Drogheda to Mornington section of the Boyne Greenway. Further information on Greenways can be found in Section 6.3.1 of Chapter 6.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-20 Map 7.1: Existing Greenways
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-21 Policy Objective MOV 35 To continue the development of a network of Greenways in the County in accordance with the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. Policy Objective MOV 36 To continue to engage and work closely with Meath County Council and other stakeholders in the development and expansion of the Boyne Greenway. Policy Objective MOV 37 To continue to engage and work closely with Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council and other stakeholders in the development and expansion of the Great Eastern Greenway from Carlingford to Newry. Policy Objective MOV 38 To continue to engage and work closely with the OPW and other stakeholders in the development of the Coastal Greenway from Dundalk to Blackrock including the delivery of such infrastructure on both sides of the Castletown River, and Baltray to Drogheda through the Louth Coastal Defence Projects. Policy Objective MOV 39 To continue to engage and work closely with Monaghan County Council and other stakeholders in the development of the Dundalk to Castleblayney section of the Dundalk - Sligo Greenway. Policy Objective MOV 40 To engage in the Compulsory Purchase Order process when required in order to facilitate the timely delivery of the Greenway and Cycleway Projects in the County. 7.6.13 Green Schools Travel Programme The Green Schools Programme is an environmental education programme that provides opportunities for schools to take environmental issues and apply them to the day to day operations of the school. The Programme is operated by An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities with support also provided by Government Departments. The Green School Travel Programme aims to increase the number of students walking, cycling, carpooling or using public transport to school. It highlights to students the benefits of sustainable transport to the environment whilst also increasing physical activity levels. Policy Objective MOV 41 To support the Green School Programme and any other sustainable transport initiative developed by schools across the County through the provision of dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure in close proximity to schools, subject to the availability of funding.
- Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-22 7.7 PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS The Council is committed to improving public spaces in the towns and villages throughout the County in order to make the urban environment a more attractive place to live, work and do business. A quality and attractive public realm can also make settlements more attractive locations and venues for hosting and facilitating festivals and events. These public realm improvements form part of the integrated approach to land use and transport planning in the County. Examples of recently completed projects include the Clanbrassil Street and St. Nicholas Quarter Public Realm Rejuvenation Scheme in the centre of Dundalk. These projects will give greater priority to walking and cycling and support the regeneration of town centre areas. Table 7.5 provides details of the public realm projects to be progressed during the life of the Plan. 7.7.1 Accessibility for All This Plan recognises the importance of creating an external environment that is inclusive and accessible to all that can be used to the fullest extent possible by all users regardless of age, ability or disability. In this regard the design and construction of external areas shall incorporate best practice principles of universal design as far as is practicable to ensure appropriate access is provided for all users. Table 7.5: Public Realm Projects to be progressed during this Plan Location Project Drogheda West Gate Vision Urban Regeneration Scheme St. Peter’s Hill St. Laurence’s Gate Dundalk St. Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Scheme Long Walk Urban Regeneration Scheme Navvy Bank Open Space Dundalk Library Quarter Ardee Ardee 2040 Rural Regeneration Project Dunleer Town Centre Regeneration Project Carlingford Carlingford Village Rural Regeneration Project Omeath Omeath Village Rural Regeneration Project Annagassan Main Street Regeneration Collon Village Hall Project
Source Louth County Council: Louth 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.