Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-23 Policy Objective MOV 42 To support the design and implementation of public realm projects in town and villages throughout the County that will make these locations more attractive and liveable spaces which are climate resilient and facilitates accessibility for all, regardless of age, physical mobility, or social disadvantage. 7.8 ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE There is a well-developed network of roads in Louth that are a fundamental part of the economic competiveness of the County facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people. The strategic location of the County along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor means the County benefits from access to the motorway network in addition to national primary and secondary routes, which provide connectivity with Dublin, Belfast and key service centres in the region and the border area. Below the national roads there is a hierarchy of regional and local roads that connect the towns and villages. These roads have an important role in supporting local economic activity and social and community development. 7.8.1 Motorway The M1 Motorway, which travels through Louth is a strategically important road link that connects Dublin and Belfast. The M1 intersects with the M50 orbital motorway, which connects the national primary routes which radiate from the M50 to all parts of the country. The M1 forms part of the EU TEN-T Core Network and is an important strategic link within and through the county and region, including providing critical international connectivity and regional accessibility. There are two online motorway service stations in Louth serving northbound and southbound traffic. The ‘Castlebellingham Services’ are located between Junctions 15 and 16 off the M1. The service areas provide a range of amenities and services including fuel, food, retail, picnic areas, rest areas, rest rooms and showers and provide an important service and function for the travelling public. 7.8.2 Development at Motorway Interchanges The M1 has the potential to act as a major stimulant of economic development and activity by providing high quality road infrastructure and connectivity to air and sea ports and thereby to domestic and international markets. Motorway interchanges are strategic locations much sought after by developers due to the desirability and benefits of having immediate access to the primary road network. However, uncontrolled and poorly regulated development at interchanges can often be problematic. This can be due to such development being solely dependent on road transport, the possibility of traffic congestion on national routes, the impact on rural landscapes and environments and the costs involved in the provision of other infrastructure such as piped services, electricity and gas. Such development can also detract investment from existing towns and settlements that are much in need of renewal and development. In order to maximise the benefits accruing to the County from the motorway and to regulate development in a sustainable and appropriate manner along its route, the following policies will be applied.

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-24 Policy Objective MOV 43 To promote and facilitate development at urban–related* interchanges in accordance with the zoning provisions for Drogheda and Dundalk as set out on the zoning maps for Drogheda and Dundalk in the Louth County Development Plan and any subsequent Local Area Plans adopted for these settlements.6 Any large scale development proposal in proximity to these interchanges will be required to prepare a Traffic and Transport Assessment in accordance with the requirements of the ‘2014 Transport and Traffic Assessment Guidelines’. Policy Objective MOV 44 To resist development at rural-related**motorway interchanges.7 7.8.3 National Roads The National Primary Roads that travel through Louth are the N2 Dublin-Derry road, N1/A1 Dundalk-Belfast road, and the N33, which runs from the Charleville Interchange (Junction 14 of the M1) to Ardee. These roads are critical in supporting more balanced regional development as they provide a vital connection to the north-west of the country. The National Secondary Roads in the County are the N51 Drogheda-Slane, the N52 Dundalk- Nenagh (via Ardee and Kells) and the N53 Dundalk-Castleblayney. These roads provide an important level of connectivity between the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk and key service centres in the wider region and beyond. Policy Objective MOV 45 To protect the strategic transport function of national roads, including motorways through the implementation of the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ and any subsequent guidelines. Policy Objective MOV 46 Support the improvement, and protection, of the EU TEN-T network and the strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast road network. 6 *Urban–related interchanges are Ballymascanlon (Junction 18), Castleblayney Road (Junction 17), Dundalk South interchange (Junction 16) and Drogheda North (Junction 10). 7 ** Rural- related interchanges are Carrickarnon (Junction 20), Drumleck (Junction 15), Charleville (Junction 14), Mooremount (Junction 13) and Woodlands (Junction 12).

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-25 Map 7.2: Road Network

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-26 7.8.4 Regional and Local Roads Regional and local roads provide access and links to the smaller towns, villages and dispersed rural communities in the County. These roads provide an important function in supporting local jobs and services. They are a vital social and economic link to communities, services and jobs in towns and villages within the County and to neighbouring counties in the wider region including Cavan, Monaghan and Meath. A high quality and well maintained regional and local road network is critical in ensuring settlements in the County are accessible and well connected in order to maintain economic competitiveness and facilitate opportunities for economic investment in settlements identified for growth. 7.8.5 Local Road - Sustainable Transport and Environmental Improvement Projects Details of road improvement and maintenance projects for consideration during the lifetime of the plan, including environmental improvements and walking and cycling infrastructures are set out in Table 7.6 below. This list of projects will be periodically reviewed during the plan period and is subject to change. Table 7.6: Local Road, Sustainable Transport and Environmental Improvement Projects Location Proposed Works St. Laurence’s Gate, Drogheda Environmental Improvement Works Rathmullan Road /Bridge of Peace Junction Upgrade Newtown Road, Drogheda Upgrading St. Dominic’s Bridge, Drogheda Bridge Refurbishment The Obelisk Bridge, Drogheda Bridge Refurbishment Leonard's Cross / Collon Road, Drogheda New Junction Rathmullan Road Drogheda Road widening to Meath boundary Drogheda Cycleways Implementation of elements of the Drogheda Cycle Strategy Mornington to Drogheda Greenway along the R150 New Greenway Project, Meath Co. Council Leonards Cross, Drogheda Road realignment Old Slane Road, Drogheda Widening to facilitate footpaths L2307 Greenhills to Newfoundwell, Drogheda Widening to provide general improvements and footpaths to facilitate development Smarter Travel Projects, Dundalk Refurbishment Carrick Road / McEntee Avenue, Dundalk Junction Upgrade Works Great Eastern Greenway, Cooley Peninsula Extensions to Existing Greenway

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-27 Location Proposed Works Dundalk to Blackrock Greenway Greenways incorporated as part of Louth Coast Defence Project Mount Avenue Road upgrade Combination of upgrade works and new road Connector road from Hoey’s Lane to Tom Bellew Avenue, Dundalk New Local Street Construction Removal of Hill Street Bridge and new Junction layout with the Millennium Road, Dundalk Demolition of existing rail bridge and reconstruction of existing carriageway and new junction works Sean O’Carroll Street, Ardee Road Widening and footpaths Policy Objective MOV 47 To support investment and improvements to the public road infrastructure in the County including bridges and other ancillary structures, taking into account both car and non-car modes of transport and road safety requirements. Policy Objective MOV 48 To support improvements and upgrades to the road network in the County in accordance with the projects set out in Table 7.6 and any other project identified by the Council or included in any future updated Road Works Programme, subject to the availability of funding. 7.9 STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS Whilst this Plan promotes and supports a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport it also recognises that improvements to the existing road infrastructure in the County are required in order to improve connectivity and support more balanced economic development. This will allow settlements to fulfil their economic potential. The progression of the projects detailed in Tables 7.7 and 7.8, will be supported in the Plan. Table 7.7: National Road Projects National Road Projects N2 Ardee to Castleblayney N52 Ardee Bypass N53 Hacksballscross to Rassan General improvements to the N2, N51, N52 and N53 Policy Objective MOV 49 To require the preparation of Transport and Traffic Assessments for new developments in accordance with the requirements set out in the TII Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines.

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-28 Table 7.8: Key Road and Bridge Projects Key Road and Bridge Projects Location Project Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) Bridge at Greenhills to link the Southern Environs of Drogheda with the PANCR Bridge Crossing east of South Quay to east of Merchant’s Quay Bridge Crossing from the PANCR to tie in with the southern M1 link in Meath Dundalk East-West Link Cavan to Dundalk R215 (Old N52) Realignment Mapastown Bridge Link Road from L-3161 Marlbog Roundabout to L-7163 Chapel Road Roundabout Link Road from R177 Armagh Rd to R215 old Dublin Road Link Road from R934 Castleblayney Road to R178 Carrickmacross Road Link Road from R178 Carrickmacross Rd to R171 Old Ardee Road Local Road linking R132 through Belfield Estate to the Marlbog Roundabout Link Road from upgraded Mount Avenue Road to the proposed Road linking the Castleblayney Road to the Carrickmacross Road Marlbog Road roundabout link to Old Golf Links Road, Blackrock Ardee Link from N2 Rathgory to Clanmore Omeath Narrow Water Bridge Policy Objective MOV 50 To support major road and bridge improvement projects set out in Tables 7.7 and 7.8 and any other project identified by the Council or included in the Roads Programme by reserving the corridors, as and when they are identified, of any such proposed routes, free of development, which would interfere with the provision of such proposals.

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-29 7.9.1 N2 Upgrade Ardee to Castleblayney This project is part of a long term upgrade of the N2 which will improve links between Dublin and the north-west of the country. This scheme will upgrade approximately 32 kilometres of road between Ardee and Castleblayney. In addition to improving the N2/A5 route this scheme will also provide more efficient access to additional strategic routes including the N33/M1, N52 and N53. This project is being progressed in conjunction with Monaghan County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The scheme has been included in the National Development Plan 2018- 2027. The RSES also recognises the benefits of the project and includes support for its progression and delivery in Regional Policy Objective 8.10. At the time of writing the project was at the stage of identifying route options. Policy Objective MOV 51 To support the progression of the long term upgrade of the N2; and in particular to protect the preferred route corridor of the upgrade road scheme between Ardee and Castleblayney, and prohibit development that could prejudice its future delivery; and to continue to work closely with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Monaghan County Council, property owners, and residents affected, and other stakeholders in the delivery of this project. Policy Objective MOV 52 To seek to examine, in consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the feasibility of progressing and delivering the N2 bypass of Ardee Town. 7.9.2 N52 Ardee Bypass The need for a bypass of Ardee has been identified and included in national, regional and local policy for a number of years. However, due to funding constraints the project was not progressed. The scheme was reactivated in 2018 with a detailed review ongoing at the time of writing. The scheme has been included in the NDP. The RSES also recognises the benefits of the project and includes support for its progression and delivery in Regional Policy Objective 8.10. Policy Objective MOV 53 To support the progression of the N52 Ardee Bypass and to continue to work closely with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Meath County Council and other stakeholders in the delivery of this project.

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-30 7.9.3 The Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) The Drogheda PANCR is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure that would provide a direct link from the M1 Motorway to Drogheda Port, thus removing heavy port related traffic from the town centre. It would also release strategically located employment and residential lands in the northern part of the town. The provision of this link road is a fundamental part of the long term growth strategy of the town. Regional Policy Objective 4.12 in the RSES supports the development of this road. Policy Objective MOV 54 To support the progression of the Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route and to continue to engage with stakeholders and local landowners in securing the funding to deliver the project. 7.9.4 Dundalk Link Roads These link road projects relate to the provision of a new road network linking neighbourhoods or industrial/business areas to the main access roads in and out of Dundalk. These roads will include, where appropriate, provision for priority bus lanes, cycle paths and pedestrian facilities. The delivery of these link roads will be developer driven and are likely to be constructed in sections. The design of these roads shall be informed through detailed modelling and analysis of existing and projected traffic flows/volumes, trip generations associated with the development of the lands in the vicinity of the proposed roads and the impacts of these developments on the existing road networks in the context of the general growth and development of the town. Policy Objective MOV 55 To support the progression of the identified Link Roads required in Dundalk and to continue to engage with stakeholders and local landowners in securing the funding to design and deliver these links. 7.9.5 The Narrow Water Bridge Project The Narrow Water Bridge Project is a cross border project that would provide a new connection across the Newry River north of Carlingford Lough. It is identified as a project of historic and symbolic significance that would support local economic and tourism development on both sides of the border. The National Development Plan 2018-2027 includes support for this project. Policy Objective MOV 56 To support the progression of the Narrow Water Bridge Project in association with Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council and key stakeholders and funding agencies subject to the requirements of any environmental assessments.

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   Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-31 7.9.6 The Dundalk – Sligo Road This road project is considered a key component of inter-regional accessibility and will result in the incremental upgrade of a specified route linking the regional growth centres of Dundalk and Sligo. The improvement of this route over the short and medium term will provide an important strategic cross border transport corridor between the north eastern and north western regions where rail infrastructure is absent. The road project is supported by RPO 6.10 of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly RSES. Policy Objective MOV 57 To support the progression of the Dundalk-Sligo Road and to continue to work closely with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other stakeholders in the delivery of this project. 7.10 PROTECTED NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ROUTES In order to maintain the efficiency and functionality of the national and regional road network it is important that the number of new accesses and the intensification of existing accesses are restricted. Such restrictions protect investments in the road network and ensure these roads continue to provide an important function in maintaining economic competitiveness. These restrictions also minimise further risks to road safety as new entrances can result in additional stopping and turning movements, which give rise to the potential for additional traffic accidents. Table 7.9 provides details of the restrictions to accesses on National Roads and Table 7.10 provides details of the restrictions to accesses on Regional Roads in the County. Map 7.2 provides details of the location of these roads in the County. Table 7.9: Restrictions and Exemptions to Access on National Roads Road Category Restrictions Exemptions Motorways No direct access No exemptions Dual Carriageways No direct access No exemptions Single Carriageways (National Primary and National Secondary Roads No new access or intensification of existing access 1. Where the new access would eliminate a traffic hazard. 2. Where a new access is required for any major employment generating activity including tourism or a development of national or regional importance. 3. Extensions to an authorised use where the additional traffic would not result in the creation of a traffic hazard. 4. Where a new access is to a fixed natural resource of national or regional importance where no other suitable vehicular access can be provided.

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    Chapter 7 - Movement Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 7-32 Table 7.10: Restrictions and Exemptions on Protected Regional Roads Route Restrictions Exemptions R173/R175 Dundalk- Greenore R173/R176 Greenore- Carlingford-Omeath (Cornamucklagh) R178 Dundalk- Carrickmacross (Essexford) R171 Dundalk-Louth Village R169 Dunleer-Collon R168 Drogheda-Collon R166 Drogheda- Termonfeckin R132 Dundalk-Drogheda R132 Dundalk-Feede R132 Carrickarnon- Border R177 Dundalk-Border Port Access Northern Cross Road 8 R215 Jun 16 to Ardee (Former N52) R215 from R132 Junction to Junction 16 No new access or intensification of existing access 1. Where the new access would eliminate a traffic hazard. 2. Where a new access is required for any major development, including tourism developments, of national, regional, or local importance where the additional traffic generated would not result in the creation of a traffic hazard. 3. Extensions to an authorised use where the additional traffic generated would not result in the creation of a traffic hazard. 4. Where a new access is to a fixed natural resource of national or regional importance where no other suitable vehicular access can be provided. 5. Dwellings required to satisfy the housing needs of persons who have lived for not less than 18 years in the area, where no other site is available off a minor road, and where the existing entrance servicing the family home is used. Where the entrance to the existing family home cannot be used, consideration will be given for one new entrance only onto the adjoining protected regional route. A condition confining occupancy to a family member for a minimum of 7 years will be attached to any permission granted under this exemption. 8 Sections of this road may be constructed during the life of this Plan subject to the availability of funding.

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