Development plan · Mayo County Council
Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Mayo County Council · 2022–2028 · 165 pages
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- CHAPTER 5 TOURISM & RECREATION Adventure Mayo is a premiere destination for adventure and lends itself well to adventure activities due to its impressively wild landscape, rugged coastline and the wide availability of adventure product in the county. A number of actions in the Destination Mayo Action Plan relate to infrastructural works which will underpin the objective of Mayo being a premiere destination for Adventure. These include the development of a National Outdoors Pursuits Centre in Castlebar, extension of the Blueway water trails and the development of “Get out there” Services centre at strategic adventure locations in the county. These proposed developments are investment heavy and will be subject to external grant funding being available to Mayo County Council. Adventure Policy TRP 31 To support the development of an activity centre at Keel and activity hub at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. Lakes of Mayo In addition to Mayo’s lengthy coastline, Mayo’s lakes are also popular with leisure tourism and water sports enthusiasts, primarily for boating, kayaking, angling and swimming. Access to the lakes can be challenging, therefore, a series of infrastructural developments, primarily the installation of pontoons, marina and angling post facilities, are required. Mayo’s lakes also have potential for land-based activity usage too, with the potential to develop and enhance circumnavigatory cycling and walking trails. Parking facilities and lay-bys in scenic areas are also necessary to allow visitors enjoy scenic areas along themed touring routes around the county. Lakes Objective TRO 28 To support the protection and enhancement of our counties lakes as visitor attractions, through the identification of infrastructure requirements and development of masterplans including: the exploration of the development of the Pontoon Lakes masterplan and construction of a boardwalk in conjunction with the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council. working with relevant landholders and recreational/tourism agencies to increase access to Mayo’s lakes. 5.4.4 Public Rights of Way Public rights of way constitute an important recreational amenity for local people and visitors and their enjoyment of landscapes, natural heritage as well as providing linkages to lakes and forests. The Council recognises the importance of protecting existing public rights of way and their role in facilitating the development of walking trails in areas of high amenity value. Several walking routes exist throughout the county which provide important access networks. This is an important recreational resource, the integrity of which should be protected. The impact of any proposed development on these routes should be taken into account when considering applications for permission for developments in their vicinity. Public Rights of Way Policy TRP 32 To preserve and protect verified public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. Public Rights of Way Objectives TRO 29 The Council, within the lifetime of this plan, aims to: a. Identify, preserve and enhance existing accesses and public rights of way to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, river-bank areas and heritage sites. b. Where necessary, establish new accesses and public rights of way to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, river-bank areas, and heritage sites in co-operation with landowners and the local community. When public rights of way are identified, the owners of the public rights of way shall be notified in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). c. Map public rights of way in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). (a) and (b) shall be carried out in accordance with best sustainable management practices, any guidance from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government 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. TRO 30 To seek to identify and protect over the lifetime of the Plan further existing verified rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, as they become available to the Planning Authority over the lifetime of the plan. (Accompanied by mapping showing public rights of way). 100 101103102
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- 104 105 Chapter 6 Movement & Transport 6.1 Strategic Aim The strategic aim of this chapter is to support increased use of sustainable modes of transport; the integration of spatial planning with transport planning; enhanced county and regional accessibility; the transition to a low carbon energy efficient transport system; and the development of a safer, more efficient, effective and connected transport system within Mayo. Related UN Sustainable Development Goals Related NPF National Strategic Outcomes Related RSES Regional Growth Ambitions CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 104 105104 CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT MAYO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 - 2028 107106
- 106 107 CHAPTER 5 TOURISM & RECREATION 6.2 Introduction This chapter has been guided by the above strategic aim, sustainable development goals and national strategic objectives to support the transition to a low carbon future, through use of sustainable modes of transport in County Mayo. The chapter has also considered the key legislative and policy documents set out in Appendix III, including the NPF and RSES for the Northern and Western region. 6.3 National and Regional Planning Position A core objective of the NPF and RSES is the need for more sustainable forms of transport to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, such as walking, cycling, electric vehicles and the increased usage of public transport. Sustainable mobility can be realised through the effective integration of land-use and transportation; the design of roads and streets; using more sustainable modes of transport; providing supporting infrastructure and education. The RSES requires the preparation of Local Transport Plans (LTP) to be made for the Key Towns of Ballina and Castlebar. These plans will support the National Planning Framework objectives of Compact Growth and Sustainable Mobility. The NPF and RSES also places a strong emphasis on enhanced regional accessibility. The growth of the northern and western region is dependent on transport and infrastructure investment, in order to improve accessibility and travel times between urban and rural settlements. The RSES recognises the strategic importance of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) as a growth enabler for the region, and its potential to link the economies of large urban centres along the western seaboard. The strategy recognises the potential of the WRC in consolidating the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC). The importance of Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) is also recognised by the NPF and RSES as having a very significant role in tourism and enterprise development for the region. 6.4 Mayo Context The provision of high-quality transport infrastructure and protection of the existing extensive transport network in County Mayo is critical to the county’s socio-economic development and will ensure quality levels of service, accessibility and connectivity to transport users. Mayo is strategically located along the AEC and along on the western seaboard, with an international airport, railway and high quality national, regional and local road networks. The county has a significant advantage within the north-west region, in terms of its location and economic assets. These advantages must be progressed in tandem with the sustainable management and development of other essential infrastructure, whilst having regard to environmental responsibilities and complying with European and national legislation. A priority of this plan is the enhancement of the existing physical infrastructure network within the county and to strive to transition to a low carbon future, through greater support and promotion of more sustainable modes of transport. 6.4.1 Sustainable Transport An effective and multi-modal transport system is reliant on the successful integration with land use planning. This will ensure the efficient use of land to deliver compact growth, create vibrant towns and villages and the transition to a low carbon, climate friendly environment. The location and design of development has a fundamental influence on travel patterns. This plan seeks to encourage walking and cycling as the primary modes of transports within settlement communities. Improved street design in settlements will encourage more people to choose to walk, cycle or use public transport, by making the experience safer and more pleasant. It will help lower traffic speeds, reduce unnecessary car use and create a built environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and responds more sympathetically to the distinctive nature of individual communities and places. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) provides design guidance and standards for constructing new and reconfiguring existing urban roads and streets in Ireland, to ensure they are safe for pedestrians and cyclists. This plan recognises that the continued delivery and maintenance of a well-functioning, multimodal transport network is essential to advance the county’s economic competitiveness, improve quality of life and enhance social cohesion. 6.4.1.1 Integrated Land Use and Transportation The integration of land use and transportation is a fundamental principle of the national policy document Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future, 2009 - 2020. By shaping the pattern of development and influencing the location, scale, density, design and mix of land-uses, the integration of land-use and transportation can help reduce the need to travel and facilitate sustainable urban development. The Plan promotes an integrated approach to land-use and transportation which aligns with the Core Strategy and directs future development into existing towns and settlements within County Mayo, in order to reduce car dependency. The Plan strongly supports the creation of compact growth, consolidation of existing settlements and prioritisation of the development of brownfield lands across the settlement hierarchy, which in turn will encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking as viable alternatives to the private car. Lands identified for residential development in the Settlement Plans maps (Volume 3) are located within the built-up area and are generally situated close to or within the core areas of the settlements, in order to encourage the consolidation of the settlements and make active travel (walking and cycling) more viable. Local Transport Plans are required to be prepared for Castlebar, Ballina and Westport under the RSES. The council, however, will support the preparation of similar sustainable transport plans for other settlements in the county, commensurate to the size and function of the settlement, to encourage sustainable transport. Integrated Land Use and Transportation Policies MTP 1 To support sustainable travel in the county by ensuring future population and employment growth predominantly takes place in urban areas which will warrant provision of public transport services. MTP 2 To support and facilitate the integration of land use with transportation infrastructure, through the development of sustainable compact settlements which are well served by public transport. MTP 3 To support and facilitate any ‘Smarter Travel’ initiatives that will improve sustainable transportation within the county, including public transport, electric and hybrid vehicles, car clubs, public bike schemes, improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, as appropriate. MTP 4 To work with the NTA and Bus Eireann to make all existing public transport services throughout the county more accessible for wheelchair users and those with disabilities and require that proposals for new transport infrastructure are subject to an Accessibility Audit. 109108
- CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 108 109 MTP 5 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 MTP 6 To 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. Integrated Land Use and Transportation Objective MTO 1 To prepare and commence implementation of, Local Transport Plans (LTP), in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and relevant stakeholders, for Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, and other settlements, where appropriate. 6.4.1.2 Sustainable Mobility Sustainable mobility can be described as linking people and places in a sustainable way by supporting: • Comfortable and affordable journeys to and from work, home, school, college, shops and leisure; • Travel by cleaner and greener transport; and • A shift away from the private car to greater use of active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport (e.g. bus and rail). Sustainable mobility is a challenge for County Mayo, which has one of the highest usage rates of private cars (73.2%), compared to the national average (65.6%). The dominance of the private car as the primary mode of transport is mainly contributed to the fact that Mayo is predominantly a rural county, with 71.4% of the population living in the rural area, compared to 37.3% nationally. The county has a dispersed settlement pattern and a low population density of 23.3 people per sq. km, compared to the national average (70 people 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. Less than 1% of commuters in Mayo 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 and through a suite of actions which involves: • Focusing targeted population and employment growth in settlement areas; • Providing alternative options to the car, namely, walking, cycling and public transport; • Improving fuel efficiency, promoting energy efficient driving and alternative technologies; and • Permeability and accessibility improvements. Settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. The provision of sustainable mobility options is only realistic when development patterns locate populations close to employment centres and complementary services such as education, retail and leisure. Walking and cycling become increasingly viable as transport options when the distance between such services is reduced. There is a need to ensure that alternatives to the car are integrated in the design of streets and public spaces, prioritising cycling and walking as active transport modes. The effective management of space in town and village centres should deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking and cycling to create accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe places to work, live, shop and engage in community life. 6.4.1.3 Existing Modes of Transport Table 6.1 below provides a breakdown of the daytime population (i.e. residents and commuters) in Tier I and Tier II settlements. These figures account for persons who worked or studied in the area, along with persons who travel to these towns for other purposes. The table shows that the daytime population more than doubles in most towns during the day. Workplace zones are available for each settlement. Settlements Sum of Total Workers in Workplace Zone Sum of Total Daytime Population in Workplace Zone TIER I Ballina 5459 11821 Castlebar 8851 16211 Westport 4210 8347 TIER II Ballinrobe 1506 4082 Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) 494 966 Ballyhaunis 1484 3485 Claremorris 1667 3509 Swinford 1096 2574 Table 6.1: Daytime population in Tier I and Tier II settlements, Census 2016 Tables 6.2 and 6.3 provide a breakdown of the modes of travel for the daytime population for Tier I and Tier II towns (POWSCAR). The tables show that the private car is the main mode of transport in Tier I (55%) and Tier II (51%) towns, which is below the national average (61.40%). Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) is the only settlement where private car usage is higher (79%) than the national average. This is attributed to its location in the north-west of the county, which serves a wide hinterland in comparison to the other settlements. It is also apparent that car passenger (car sharing) is well above the national average in all settlements, which would indicate that car sharing is a viable option. Cycling, motorbike/scooters and rail transport in all settlements is below the national average, whereas bus transport usage is above the national average for five settlements. In the short term, the modal shift strategy should focus on increased usage of cycling for all settlements. 111110
- CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 110 111 Mode of Travel Castlebar Ballina Westport Tier 1 (a & b) Combined Average Mayo CSO 2016* National CSO 2016 Car Driver 59.35% 53.80% 50.56% 54.57% 43% 61.40% Car Passenger 17.91% 18.43% 19.26% 18.53% 22.43% 4.10% Bus 3.77% 4.10% 7.85% 5.24% 8.42% 5.90% Train 0.08% 0% 0.65% 0.24% 0.27% 3.40% Walk 11.58% 13.18% 13.86% 12.87% 9.63% 9.30% Bicycle 0.73% 1.03% 1.21% 0.99% 0.81% 3.00% Motorbike/Scooter 0.14% 0.14% 0.16% 0.15% 0.11% 0.40% Other (incl. lorry/van) 4.56% 6.61% 5.82% 5.66% 0.52% 7.30% Not Stated 2.42% 3.20% 2.19% 2.42% 3.92% 5.00% Table 6.2 – Tier I Towns & National Mode of Travel, Census 2016 Mode of Travel Ballinrobe Ballyhaunis Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) Claremorris Swinford Tier 2 Combined Average Mayo CSO 2016* National CSO 2016 Car Driver 35.88% 40.88% 79.14% 47.29% 49.94% 50.63% 43% 61.40% Car Passenger 26.38% 23.04% 23.52% 22.13% 23.79% 23.77% 22.43% 4.10% Bus 11.57% 9.33% 0.59% 9.33% 8.47% 7.86% 8.42% 5.90% Train 0.34% 0.42% 0.00% 0.16% 0.06% 0.18% 0.27% 3.40% Walk 12.79% 15.71% 10.95% 12.07% 8.53% 12.01% 9.63% 9.30% Bicycle 0.81% 0.64% 0.44% 0.93% 0.35% 0.63% 0.81% 3.00% Motorbike/ Scooter 0.15% 0.17% 0.00% 0.16% 0.06% 0.11% 0.11% 0.40% Other (incl. lorry/van) 2.96% 1.57% 1.77% 1.53% 1.64% 1.89% 0.52% 7.30% Not Stated 2.22% 3.83% 3.84% 1.05% 3.10% 2.81% 3.92% 5.00% Table 6.3 Tier II Town and National Mode of travel. Sustainable Mobility Policies MTP 7 To support sustainable mobility, enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity within County Mayo in accordance with the National Strategic Outcomes of Project 2040 and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region. MTP 8 To promote the transition to a low carbon integrated transport system by firstly reducing the need for travel through the use of design solutions and innovative approaches with regards to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, and subsequently to shift to environmentally sustainable modes of transport. MTP 9 Work with the NTA to undertake analysis in relation to modal shift between settlements and derive a realistic modal change target for increased usage of sustainable modes of transport for the county. MTP 10 To support and develop public transport routes throughout the County through collaboration with the National Transport Authority. Sustainable Mobility Objectives MTO 2 To ensure that planning applications for large scale developments that are significant trip intensive generators are accompanied by a Mobility Management Plan. MTO 3 To liaise and collaborate with relevant agencies to support and encourage the growth of electric vehicles and EBikes with support facilities/infrastructure through a roll-out of additional electric charging points in collaboration with relevant agencies, with a particular emphasis in public parking areas, employment locations and along the Wild Atlantic Way, including the retrofitting of charging points in existing urban centres. MTO 4 To increase cycling usage in Tier I and Tier II settlements in line with the national average (2016). MTO 5 To retrospectively provide public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure and facilities in existing development areas to achieve growth in sustainable mobility MTO 6 To provide suitable infrastructure on public transport corridors to improve safety and efficiency for public transport users. MTO 7 To establish modal shift targets and a monitoring regime to increase the usage of sustainable modes of transport in the towns of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, as informed by local transport plans. Pedestrians and Cyclists A key theme of government at all levels is to promote a modal shift from private car usage to walking and cycling, which in turn will have clear benefits in relation to reducing congestion, vehicle emissions and improving health, whilst improving movement and accessibility in urban and inter-urban areas. Encouraging and promoting walking and cycling as a sustainable mode of transport and moving away from reliance on the private car will depend on providing well connected and integrated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Pedestrian and cycle facilities will be most successful where they form a coherent network, place an emphasis on safety, directly serve the main areas where people wish to travel, provide priority over vehicular traffic at junctions, are free from obstructions and have adequate public lighting. 110 113112
- CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 112 113 Mayo County Council promotes walking and cycling as a means of transport; as a means of recreational activity; and for the purposes of mental and physical health and wellbeing. Cycling as a means of transport accounts for only a small percentage of trips within the county. The Council will endeavour to make provisions for pedestrians and cyclists in both urban and rural areas of the county and facilitate an increase in cycling/walking trips to meet targets as set above. Map 6.1 below shows existing and proposed strategic greenway network in County Mayo, including a long-distance coastal greenway, long distance interurban greenway and town greenways (8km network within urban areas). The Council also wish to promote and facilitate “Park and Stride” facilities which encourage car commuters to transfer to a healthy and ecologically sound mode of transport, i.e. walking for the final element of their journey, thus reducing car journeys and easing congestion. Cycle parking should be appropriately designed into the urban realm and into new developments at an early stage, to ensure that adequate cycle parking is provided. Pedestrian and Cyclist Policies MTP 11 To support safer cycling/walking routes to encourage people to be more physically active for transport and leisure purposes. MTP 12 To promote the design and construction of new developments to create low carbon, walkable neighbourhoods and workplaces containing high quality green and blue infrastructure. Map 6.1 Proposed County Greenway Plan – Linear long distance and Town Greenway Network Pedestrian and Cyclist Objectives MTO 8 To encourage and facilitate the maintenance and further development of the public footpath network, walking and cycling routes and associated infrastructure and where possible the retrofitting of cycle and pedestrian routes into the existing urban road network. MTO 9 To support the establishment of a network of interlinked cycle ways and walk ways in the county and the adjoining counties and specifically to support the development of a link between the Great Northern Greenway and the Great Western Greenway, having regard to best practice standards including the Design Manual for Urban Roads, Streets and the NTA Cycle Manual and the TII Standard DN-GEO-03084 ‘The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on National Roads or any amending/superseding national guidance or manuals. To specifically conduct a feasibility study for the development of a Greenway linking the Great Northern Greenway at Collooney to the Great Western Greenway via the high amenity areas of the Ox mountains, with a link point to the Ballina - Castlebar - Westport interurban Greenway at Foxford, Co. Mayo. That the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) is protected and preserved for the delivery of Rail Infrastructure to develop the region and the corridor is completely removed from any feasibility study in relation to any proposed greenway. MTO 10 To endeavour to identify, preserve and enhance existing accesses and public rights of way to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, river-bank areas and heritage sites over the lifetime of the plan, subject to any forthcoming departmental guidance. MTO 11 To encourage, where appropriate, the incorporation of safe and efficient cycleways, accessible footpaths and pedestrian routes into the design schemes for town/ neighbourhood centres, residential, educational, employment, recreational developments and other uses, with the design informed by published design manuals, including the Design Manual for Urban Roads, Streets and the NTA Cycle Manual and TII Standard DN-GEO-03084 ‘The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on National Roads, or any amending/superseding national guidance or manuals. MTO 12 To continue the development of a network of Greenways in the county in accordance with best practice 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. MTO 13 To investigate the potential of providing looped Greenways / Walkways for the Tier I, II and III Settlements of the county, where it can be demonstrated that such schemes will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. MTO 14 To investigate the potential of providing a number of ‘Park and Stride’ facilities in appropriate locations in the county, subject to an environmental assessment of identified locations. MTO 15 To seek to advance the walking/ cycling projects listed in the table 6.4 below. MTO 16 Protect open spaces, with multifunctional green and blue infrastructure in developments, with connections to the wider network of open spaces and habitats. 115114
- CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 114 115 Walking and Cycling Projects CLEWBAY GREENWAY WPORT/LBURGH/ROONAGH/CLARE ISLAND/KILLARY CLEWBAY GREENWAY ACHILL SOUND / KEEL CLEWBAY GREENWAY ACHILL SOUND / CLOUGHMORE CASTLEBAR URBAN GREENWAY LINK PHASE 1 & PHASE 2 TRAILS DEVELOPMENT GWG IMPROVEMENTS, IMPROVED TOWN LINKAGES INCLUDING NEWPORT TUNNELS BANGOR TRAIL & ERRIS ADVENTURE BRIDGE TURLOUGH/PONTOON/FOXFORD (INCLUDING RIVERSIDE TRAIL AT TURLOUGH RIVER FALLS) IMPROVEMENTS TO TOCHAR PADRAIG BOWERS WALK BALLINROBE MONASTERIES ON THE MOY/ATLANTIC CYCLE NETWORK WESTPORT CONG LOST TREASURES TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE CENTRE AND MAYO/SLIGO BIJE TRAIL MOOREHALL MASTERPLAN (INCLUDING TRAILS) SLIEVEMORE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS TO WESTERN WAY SPIRITUAL TRAIL (CROAGH PATRICK, CONG AND KNOCK) LONG DISTANCE COASTAL GREENWAY (MAP 6.1) LONG DISTANCE INTERURBAN GREENWAY (MAP 6.1) TOWN GREENWAYS (MAP 6.1) NATIONAL COASTAL PATH, INCLUDING CÉIDE COAST IMPROVEMENTS TO KEEM BAY SIGNATURE DISCOVERY POINT, INCLUDING TRIAL AND VIEWING PLATFORM FALCON TRAIL FROM CANALSIDE BALLINA TO MOUNT FALCON ESTATE Table 6.4 – List of Walking and Cycling Projects 6.4.1.4 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. There is a need for increased bus services to improve connectivity between the main urban centres in the county and regional centres. The main settlements in the county are serviced by both public and private bus operators. Under the Rural Transport Initiative, the rural areas are served by Local Link Mayo, which is based on demand. The Local Link currently operates forty-six Demand Responsive Routes in Mayo, in addition to managing the ferry service to Inishbiggle Island. The Local Link co-ordinates the delivery of community transport services for the National Transport Authority with support from Mayo County Council and provides essential transport for rural based passengers, to access services and facilities in towns and villages. Seasonal bus services also operate to/from the National Park in Ballycroy and the Great Western Greenway from Westport. The further development of Local Link Mayo and other similar public transport services is essential to provide a modal shift to public transport in the rural parts of the county. Mayo County Council will work with public transport providers to improve and expand the public bus services within county and strengthen linkages to other areas outside of the county. Bus Policies MTP 13 To support and encourage public transport providers and rural community transport initiatives and programmes, such as the Local Link Rural Transport Programme, to enhance to provision of public transportation services linking rural villages to the main towns of Mayo. MTP 14 To support improvements to public transport accessibility to and from Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK). MTP 15 To support improvements to public transport accessibility to and from key tourism hubs and visitor attractions. MTP 16 To support the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Plan, where appropriate. Bus Objectives MTO 17 To support the operation of existing bus services, by facilitating the provisions of improved facilities and services for bus users in towns and villages, including the provision of set down areas for coaches and bus shelters at all bus stops, where feasible. 6.4.1.5 Rail Iarnród Éireann in their strategic policy document “Rail Vision 2030: The Future of Rail Transport in Ireland” notes the importance of the Dublin-Westport/Ballina service and that demand at Castlebar is particularly strong. It confirms the important role of rail in servicing the interconnectivity between the key towns of Mayo. Mayo County Council supports an increase in the frequency of commuter services on mainline rail network between Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. The low frequency of current rail services in Mayo, renders rail travel an unviable transport option for daily commuters. Increased 117116
- CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT & TRANSPORT 116 117 6.4.2 Roads (National and Non-National Roads) Mayo County Council is committed to the promotion of sustainable means of travel, and the encouragement of modal change from the private car. It is, however, recognised that road infrastructure retains a central position in the overall transportation network, catering for the movement of buses, goods vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, as well as the private car. In undertaking transport policies, the Council will strive to provide, maintain and enhance road infrastructure to ensure the sustainable economic development of the county. 6.4.2.1 National Routes Mayo County Council recognises the strategic importance of the national road network in the county and its important regional and inter-regional connectivity within and through the region. The N5 and N17, national primary roads have been identified as part of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T). The TEN-T are a planned set of transport networks across Europe targeted for high-quality standards for road users and freight transport. The Council will preserve corridor(s) to enable design options for national road improvement and upgrade projects to be advanced. Table 6.5 provides a list of planned and proposed national road projects in County Mayo to be advanced over the plan period. 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. It is important to protect, maintain and enhance the carrying capacity of the national road network in County Mayo, as deemed necessary and as resources allow. In doing so, due regard will be afforded to the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012, relating to development affecting national primary and secondary roads, including motorways and associated junctions. National Roads Policies MTP 20 To enhance regional accessibility between key urban centres of population and their regions through the protection of the capacity, efficiency and safety of the national road network in County Mayo. MTP 21 To support the upgrading to a ‘High Quality Road’ of both the N5 and N17 National Primary Routes, within the county, as part of the Tran-European Transport Network (TEN-T). MTP 22 To support Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the provision of service and rest area facilities that may be proposed by the TII, and have regard to the provisions of Section 2.8 of the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines and the NRA Service Policy (August 2014), with regard to any other proposals for roadside service facilities or off-line service facilities along national roads and junctions that may be promoted by private developers. MTP 23 To protect the capacity, efficiency and safety of the national road network in Mayo by complying with the ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads -Guidelines for planning authorities’ (2012). MTP 24 To avoid the creation of additional direct access points from new development adjoining national roads or the generation of additional traffic from existing direct accesses to national roads to which speed limits greater than 60 km/h apply. frequency of rail services and a greater integration of bus and rail services would provide for enhanced services and would facilitate the transfer from private car to bus and rail. Improving the frequency of train journeys on the Westport and Dublin line and the manning of train stations in Mayo would also attract increased usage of the rail service not only out of county but also promote an increase in the commuter service between the Mayo stations. At present, rail links are on an east-west axis focusing on Dublin. The disused part of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC), which runs through the east of the county, if re-opened for passenger and freight transport, would provide a link to the economies of three major urban centres (Limerick, Galway and Sligo) by rail. It could provide an economic stimulus to the region, while also offering the inhabitants of the region a sustainable alterative to car travel. The re-opening of the WRC has the potential to provide the greatest transformational change both in terms of a shift towards a low-carbon society/economy but also at a regional level as a key enabler to strengthen the functionality of the AEC and capitalise of the enterprise and employment hub of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK). Rail Policies MTP 17 To support the enhancement of rail services to Dublin and commuter services between Ballina, Castlebar, Westport and Claremorris with connectivity to Galway and Limerick Metropolitan Cities and major international ports such as Shannon / Foynes with the realisation of re-opening the Western Rail Corridor. MTP 18 To support the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in order to deliver the Tuam – Claremorris – Sligo Rail at an appropriate level of service and at a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport and present an opportunity to provide an integrated rail linkage to the Ireland West Airport Knock and its Strategic Development Zone. MTP 19 To support and encourage the provision of a high-quality rail network and service (including commuter services) and ancillary works for passenger and freight carriage to, from and within the county, 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. Rail Objectives MTO 18 To liaise with and encourage Iarnród Éireann to: a. Continue investment in rail freight facilities at Ballina & Westport (existing) and Claremorris & Castlebar (as potential freight hubs). b. Increase frequency of commuter services on the mainline rail network between Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. MTO 19 To support and encourage the upgrading of existing railway stations, and protect, as required, lands necessary for the upgrading of existing railway lines or stations. MTO 20 To work with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to safeguard and protect all existing or historic rail lines and associated facilities from redevelopment for non-transport related purposes, in order to not preclude their future use as an operational transportation network. MTO 21 Support and facilitate the velo rail project on the Western Rail Corridor as an interim use for the rail line pending its reopening for passenger and rail freight. 116 119118
Source Mayo County Council: Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028 (2022–2028) · 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.