Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031

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   159 MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024 - 2029 Monaghan County Council’s CAP 2024-2029 sets out how the Council is responsible for enhancing climate resilience, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the County. The vision is ‘That Monaghan County Council will be an exemplar organisation that leads, supports, and inspires action to achieve a Climate Resilient, Biodiversity Rich, Environmentally Sustainable County and Climate Neutral Local Economy’. Strategic Goal 2 of Monaghan’s CAP is ‘To pursue climate actions to increase climate resilience of the built environment and transport and achieve emission reductions in line with national targets’, and transport actions relevant to the County Development Plan include: k Complete a Town Centre First Plan for all major towns and implement actions. k Complete a Feasibility Study for Alternative Fuels for Council HGVs to identify viable low and no carbon vehicle fleet options and implement recommendations from this study. k Develop and implement a fleet decarbonisation roadmap as per guidelines within Local Authority Fleet – Strategy to Decarbonisation. k Expand pilot study on alternative “low carbon” pavement material for use on road network, with a focus on implementation of the resulting recommendations. Low Energy Bound Materials (LEBM) using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Pilot Project. k Participate in Rehabilitation of roads over peat working group to determine most environmentally appropriate intervention techniques. k Develop an EV charging strategy and implementation plan to support the roll out of EV charging. k Implement County Walking and Cycling Strategy (2021-2026). k Deliver active travel and greenway projects to achieve transport modal shift by encouraging cycling, walking, and running as an alternative to travel by car. k Promote transport modal shift and increase awareness of Smarter Travel programme to encourage local employers and communities to participate. k Deliver Safe Route to School Programme to encourage students and staff, to engage in active travel. k Protect and maintain active travel infrastructure in accordance with National Sustainable Mobility Policy. k Examine feasibility of a ‘Park and Stride’ system at different locations in towns across the county. k Continue to complete National Catchment based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme within County Monaghan to ensure all current and future flood risks are identified with a focus on implementation of the resulting recommendations. k Resolve local flooding issues utilising OPW and Department of Transport funding (Climate Adaptation and Resilience works, OPW Minor works scheme). k Maintain transport networks to take account of risk of surface water floods. k Develop and implement a Sustainable Drainage Strategy for the County. k Advocate for and support the reconnection of rail services to the County in accordance with The All Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR). EU NATURE RESTORATION LAW In June 2024 the European Commission passed a new regulation to restore ecosystems for people, the climate and the planet. The EU Nature restoration Law is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which calls for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. Europe’s nature is in alarming decline, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. Restoring wetlands, rivers, forests, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and the species they host will help: k increase biodiversity, k secure the things nature does for free, like cleaning our water and air, pollinating crops, and protecting us from floods, k limit global warming to 1.5°C, k build up Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy, preventing natural disasters, and reducing risks to food security. The European Commission estimates up to 8.9% of land in the Republic of Ireland may be affected by the new commitments, and transport infrastructure may be required to support the delivery of the regulations. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07

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   RENEWABLE TRANSPORT FUEL POLICY 2023-2025 To achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions in the transport sector by 2030 the Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets out a range of measures, some of which include electrification of road transport and increased biofuels in transport as a transition measure. The CAP biofuel target is for at least B20 (biodiesel equivalent) in diesel and E10 (Ethanol) in petrol by 2030 (with an interim B12/E10 by 2025 target). Modelling analysis of the CAP target projects a 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement saving by 2030 from this biofuel target (13.7% of the transport sector carbon abatement by 2030). The CAP also has targets and actions to incentivise greater production, supply, and use of biogas, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, with potential uses across economic sectors including in transport. Among the key considerations for greater use of renewable energy is the appropriate hierarchy of use of renewable transport fuel (RTF) across the different transport and economic sectors. The electrification of transport through ambitious EV targets in the CAP is a pathway for greater renewable electricity in transport consumption. Production and supply of renewable electricity for consumption across all economic sectors is already supported through the renewable electricity support scheme (RESS) and public service obligation (PSO) levy, with Climate Action Fund grants for EV purchase and infrastructure supporting increased transport consumption. 7.1.4 REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGIES (RSES) Two of the three Regional Assembly areas have published RSES with policies and objectives that have relevance to County Monaghan. Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 - 2032 The RSES for the Northern and Western Region (NWRA) 2020 - 2032 covers nine Local Authority areas and includes the County Monaghan area. The RSES sets out five ‘Growth Ambitions’ as follows: k Growth Ambition 1 – Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region k Growth Ambition 2 – Environment – Natural Heritage k Growth Ambition 3 – Connectivity – Connected Region k Growth Ambition 4 – Quality of Life k Growth Ambition 5 – Infrastructure – Enabling Our Region Growth Ambition 3 – Connectivity – Connected Region of the RSES outlines that, ‘The provision of prudently managed transport and digital infrastructure is key to delivering our vision’ and in section 6.5 it states, ‘Both the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan strongly acknowledge that accessibility from the northern and western region of Ireland and between centres of scale separate from Dublin will need to be significantly improved, focussed on cities and larger regionally distributed centres and on key east-west and north-south routes. Better accessibility will enable improved road safety and unrealised potential to be activated as well as better preparing for potential impacts from Brexit.’ In the Regional Policy Objectives (RPO) related to transport in County Monaghan it includes: k RPO 6.6 - In accordance with National Development Plan investment commitments to bring the following schemes through planning/design/ construction, the following projects shall be delivered to an appropriate level of service in the short term and in any case by 2027 having regard to the standard in the NPF of an average inter-urban speed of 90KPH: u A5 Road Development k RPO 6.7 - In accordance with National Development Plan investment commitments to progress the following schemes through preappraisal and early planning, the following projects shall be progressed through preappraisal and early planning in the short term and shall thereafter proceed to construction and be delivered to an appropriate level of service within the lifetime of the RSES: u N2 Clontibret to the Border connecting to the A5 u N2 Ardee to south of Castleblayney k RPO 6.8 - The delivery of the following projects shall be pursued, in consultation with and subject to the agreement of TII, through pre-appraisal, early planning and to construction as priority projects to be delivered to an appropriate level of service in the medium-term: u N53 Dundalk to N2 at Carrickmacross u N54/A3 Cavan to Monaghan Town k RPO 6.10 - The East-West (Dundalk to Sligo) Road will be pursued incrementally in the short and medium term, to be delivered to an appropriate level of service (Dundalk - Carrickmacross - Shercock - Cootehill - Cavan - Enniskillen - Blacklion). 160 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

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   k RPO 6.18 to 6.22 Bus Network - These RPOs make provision for smart technology, reduced dependence on fossil-fuel powered vehicles, undertaking reviews to provide local bus services, enhanced and connected provision of public transport service, new interchange facilities, bus waiting facilities, enhanced passenger information and utilising smart technology to enhance the bus network. k RPO 6.23 - To provide sustainable travel which will be supported by providing walking and cycling facilities (including Greenway and Blueway projects) as a priority across the region. k RPO 6.24 - Support Cross-border sustainable transport, including but not limited to the delivery of the following: u Ulster Canal Greenway. k RPO 6.26 - The walking and cycling offer within the region shall be improved to encourage more people to walk and cycle, through: (a) Preparation and implementation of Local Transport Plans for… Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns, which shall encourage a travel mode shift from private vehicular use towards sustainable travel modes of walking, cycling and use of public transport. (b) Safe walking and cycle infrastructure shall be provided in urban and rural areas, the design shall be informed by published design manuals, including the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the NTA Cycle Manual. (c) Development of a network of Greenways. k RPO 6.27 to 6.32 - Make provision for the development of Local Transport Plans. k RPO 6.33 - Reduce dependency on the fossil-fuel powered vehicles and have regard to the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport. k RPO 6.34 - Promote deployment of targeted, convenient and safe recharging infrastructure across the region to meet the changing needs of the electric vehicle with particular emphasis in public parking areas and employment locations. k RPO 6.4 - Develop and deliver strategy and infrastructure to enable the adoption and integration of future modes of transport and mobility. k RPO 6.50 - Continue to encourage Active Travel initiatives and where possible leverage technology and digital platforms to enhance the delivery of cycleway and walking infrastructure, particularly in our urban centres. k RPO 6.51 - Promote values and policies that make it easy to commute between home, work and school across the region in a way that contributes to a healthy, attractive and climate-friendly region. k RPO 8.13 - Support the delivery of flood defence works planned by OPW to be implemented in the short-term. k RPO 9.1 - Build Inclusive and Compact Places by: (a) Planning for Inclusive Communities through regional cooperation and collaboration, to support the wider economic and social development agendas of the region and integrating health and wellbeing outcomes across all activities… (c) Accessing Quality Services by maximising the use of transport and digital infrastructure to ensure people can access quality education and health services, building on the quality health and education infrastructure that exists on a cross-border basis and building more shared services and nurturing greater collaboration between actors and agencies in the co-design of new services. k RPO 9.2 - Invest in Accessible and Connected Places through: (b) Encouraging active travel with a clear focus on place building and connectivity and promoting active mobility through soft measures including information and awareness-raising campaigns to complement hard investments in routes and support activities, including activity based recreation resources. 161 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07

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   k RPO 9.4 - Create Resilient Places and Low-Carbon Infrastructure by: (a) Managing Natural Resources through adhering to the principles of the circular economy, monitor air quality through the use of smart technologies, with the overall aim of improving air quality and to protect local ecosystems through the management of our natural capital. (b) Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy through a presumption against development in areas vulnerable to flooding and rising sea levels, continuing to assess the probability of risk from all sources of flooding, and working with relevant stakeholders in both the assessment and delivery of any mitigation responses required; Furthermore, pursue the generation of renewable energies and their local applications through, for example, green infrastructure planning, innovative design solutions, the promotion of energy-efficient buildings and homes. EASTERN AND MIDLAND REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY 2019 - 2031 The RSES for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019 – 2031 does not cover County Monaghan, however it makes provision for the upgrade of the N2 through County Monaghan and County Louth between Castleblayney and Ardee in RPO 8.10: ‘The RSES supports appraisal and or delivery of the road projects set out in Table 8.4 subject to the outcome of appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process… N2 Ardee to south of Castleblaney.’ 7.1.5 SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND ACTIVE TRAVEL NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY POLICY The National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in April 2022, sets out the Government’s strategic policy framework for supporting walking, cycling and public transport use in Ireland to 2030, laying the foundations for the required system change in transport that will help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The vision is that all cities, towns, and rural areas will be bicycle friendly. This policy document sets a target of 500,000 additional active travel and public transport journeys per day and a 10% reduction in kilometres driven by fossil fuelled cars by 2030. Relevant policies details include: k Protect and maintain the safety of existing walking, cycling and public transport networks. k Expanding walking and cycling options across the Country. It was accompanied by an Action Plan to 2025 aimed at expanding sustainable mobility options across the Country, managing daily travel demand more efficiently, and reducing the journeys taken by private car. It indicates that, “local transport plans for the regional growth centres and key towns will allow for local implementation of national and regional level land use and transport policies. These plans will be prepared based on the Area Based Transport Assessment Guidance produced by the NTA and TII”. The Climate Action Plan 2024 and National Sustainable Mobility Policy include several actions to expand the availability of shared mobility options in Ireland. These are hubs where a range of shared travel options including, for example, shared bikes, electric bikes or e-cars, come together and can be accessed in one place by people who need them. They are often located close to other public travel hubs such as train or bus stations. In March 2024 a public consultation as a first step towards the development of Shared Mobility Hubs was launched, which is likely to result in guidance and support for the future development of such hubs. 162 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

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   163 NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK (NCN) The NCN is a plan for an inter-urban cycle network (incorporating the regional and national greenways network, as appropriate), with a view to facilitating increased cycling and walking nationally for education, leisure, tourism and commuting trips. The planned NCN links cities and towns of over 5,000 people with a safe, connected and inviting cycle network. It proposes approximately 3,500km of cycle network, which will connect more than 200 settlements and 2.8m people. The NCN will link to destinations such as transport hubs, centres of education, centres of employment, leisure, and tourist destinations with the intention of facilitating greater cycling and walking amongst students, leisure users, tourists, and commuters alike. The NCN published in 2023 is shown in Figure 7.2: Proposed National Cycle Network in Monaghan, 2023 and includes the following cycle network connections through County Monaghan: k CLONES – MONAGHAN – ARMAGH k CASTLEBLAYNEY – BALLYBAY – CLONES k CASTLEBLAYNEY – ARMAGH k CARRICKMACROSS – CASTLEBLAYNEY k CARRICKMACROSS - DUNDALK FIGURE 7.2 PROPOSED NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK IN MONAGHAN, 2023 CYCLECONNECTS CycleConnects is the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) proposed cycle network and aims to improve sustainable travel by providing the potential for more trips on a safe, accessible and convenient cycling network, connecting more people to more places. Proposals for cycling links in key cities, towns and villages in each county are included in the plan, in addition to connections between the larger towns, villages and settlements. The plan also incorporates existing and planned cycle routes such as greenways and blueways. The plan does not prescribe any cycle infrastructure for the routes presented but mainly serves to illustrate the potential cycle connections between all major towns and cities. CycleConnects classifies routes in accordance with Table 7.1. TABLE 7.1 CYCLECONNECTS ROUTE CLASSIFICATIONS High quality cycle route that can accommodate a high volume of cyclists typical in most urban areas. These will look to feature on major desire lines in town centres and form distinctive radial and orbital cycle routes in the major towns and cities. These primary routes should also form a cohesive and connected network within the urban area that will be simple for all types of cyclists to navigate. Second tier cycle route in major urban areas to link with urban primary network to add greater route density and options on the network. These will typically be passing through residential areas, school and employment areas. On-road cycle route to link all key settlements and destinations outside urban areas. These may have potential to provide off-road/ segregated routes parallel to the existing road in later years. Off-road cycle route with no adjacent traffic for the majority of its route. These are typically located on old rail tracks or Blueways (routes along rivers, lakes and canals) with cyclists sharing the route with pedestrians. name function urban primary Source: CycleConnects: Draft Irelands Cycle Network (Main Report), National Transport Authority. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07 urban secondary interurban greenway

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   164 It is proposed to begin delivering these routes to begin from 2023 onwards and will continue over the timescales of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030. Maps of the 2022 emerging routes in County Monaghan are available to download from: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/cycleconnects and are provided in Figure 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5. FIGURE 7.3 PROPOSED CYCLECONNECTS NETWORK IN COUNTY MONAGHAN FIGURE 7.4 PROPOSED CYCLECONNECTS NETWORK, MONAGHAN TOWN Source: CycleConnects: Draft Irelands Cycle Network (Main Report), National Transport Authority. Source: CycleConnects: Draft Irelands Cycle Network (Main Report), National Transport Authority. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

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   165 FIGURE 7.5 PROPOSED CYCLECONNECTS NETWORK, CARRICKMACROSS Source: CycleConnects: Draft Irelands Cycle Network (Main Report), National Transport Authority. STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL GREENWAYS (2018) The Department of Transport published, a Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, in July 2018, with an objective to develop new Greenways in a way which can transform more rural areas around the Country, provide a wonderful experience for visitors and locals, and contribute to the health of the nation. The consideration of the policies and objectives of these guidelines will be required in any proposal to develop expand or develop Greenways. In response to a commitment documented in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenway, a Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in 2021, providing comprehensive information for landowner/property owners, project promoters and other stakeholders. Greenway projects currently proposed in and through County Monaghan include; k Kingscourt to Carrickmacross Greenway k Carrickmacross to Dundalk Greenway k Clones to Castleblayney Greenway (via Ballybay) k Ulster Canal Greenway k Blackwater Greenway k Orchard Greenway COUNTY MONAGHAN WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY 2021 - 2026 Local Authorities were first directed to prepare walking and cycling strategies as an action of the National Physical Activity Plan, as a measure to combat Ireland's growing obesity crisis. Since then, walking and cycling have come to form important parts of transportation, climate change and tourism policies and strategies. Monaghan’s Walking and Cycling Strategy is a high-level, strategic look at how Monaghan County Council proposes to: k develop walking and cycling infrastructure, and k promote walking and cycling as activities which support the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of the people of County Monaghan. The largest single cause of journeys in Ireland is commuting to either work or school. In County Monaghan, almost 40,000 people commute daily but less than 10% of these walk or cycle, even though 15,000 of them have a journey of less than 15 minutes to make. Persuading some of these to make a modal shift from private motor cars to active travel modes would make a big difference to the County’s carbon footprint. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07

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   Walking and cycling are playing an increasingly important role to our County's economic development, with Tourism Ireland reporting that they are the two most popular activities that overseas tourists engage in whilst in Ireland, and over one quarter of domestic holiday makers engaging in walking and 8% in cycling during their break. As County Monaghan is primarily seen as a destination for outdoor activities, walking and cycling amenities are an important part of our product offering. This Strategy takes into account Monaghan County Council's role as an important agent of change in driving a number of key national programmes. The Strategy fits into a number of Council policies and plans, including the Corporate Plan and the County Development Plan, which lays down rules around what can and cannot be developed in the County and is a statutory document backed up by a raft of legislation. The Strategy will help the Council to deliver on a number of our other plans, including the Council’s Healthy Monaghan Plan, the Sports Partnership's Strategic Plan, the Age Friendly Strategy and a number of local community plans. The mission of the strategy is: k To develop safe and appealing walking and cycling infrastructure in County Monaghan. k To create an environment in which people will find it easy and attractive to walk and cycle, both recreationally, and for everyday journeys. ULSTER CANAL GREENWAY STRATEGY The Ulster Canal Greenway Strategy provides councils with the opportunity to collaborate on a project which will help each individual area connect to a wider region. Local Authorities are the key drivers behind the development of the proposed greenway which could provide economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs to establish and enhance businesses and bring much needed prosperity to the mainly rural area. In June 2015 it was agreed that Waterways Ireland would lead on progressing the development of a Greenway along the corridor of the Ulster Canal in association with relevant councils and stakeholders. The central spine of the greenway route therefore started to form around the Ulster Canal. However, the Local Authorities were keen that the route served the population centres of the region, so that it could support the Local Authorities work on promoting Local Agenda 21 around sustainable development, and in particular smarter travel choices. Therefore, the route expanded to include the main commuter destinations in the region, namely Armagh, Cavan and Enniskillen. The long-term goal for this project is the creation of off-road walking and cycling paths using the original route of the disused Ulster Canal (as far as is practicable) and abandoned railway lines which link into it. Pathways which bring disused transportation infrastructure back into use are popularly known as ‘greenways’. Phase 1 of the Ulster Canal Greenway project opened in 2013. The 4.5km route travels from the east to west of Monaghan Town along the disused Ulster Canal. Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal project was launched in September 2017. This multi-phase project is being led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in partnership with Monaghan County Council and will extend over 17km across two phases i.e. Smithborough to Monaghan Town and Monaghan Town to the Monaghan/Armagh border. Both phases are due for completion in 2027. 166 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

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   167 TABLE 7.6 ULSTER CANAL GREENWAY STRATEGY - ROUTE NETWORK Source: Ulster Canal Greenway Strategy ALL-ISLAND STRATEGIC RAIL REVIEW The All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report, which was jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Rail Review Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The report includes a proposal for a new single-track railway running between Portadown – Armagh – Monaghan – Clones – Cavan – Mullingar. 7.1.6 VISION ZERO/ROAD SAFETY New and developing vehicle and road technologies are becoming increasingly important as we move toward ‘Vision Zero’, a worldwide commitment that aims for no road deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2050. Developments around autonomous (driverless) vehicles which can sense their environment and navigate without human input, new in-car safety technologies such as lane-assist and automatic braking, an increase in the number of people choosing active travel modes (walking and cycling), and the availability of new modes of transport such as e- Scooters and e-Bikes, have been changing the focus of road safety policy. IRELAND’S GOVERNMENT ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY 2021–2030 The Strategy provides a phased strategic framework and targets to improve road safety nationally, including reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. This will be implemented using a range of measures, which includes actions to achieve safe roads and roadsides, including delivering road safety improvement schemes and minor realignment schemes, increasing the length of divided roads on the national primary network, implementing low-cost safety scheme and larger safety schemes, and the construction of segregated walking and cycling facilities. COUNTY MONAGHAN ROAD SAFETY PLAN 2023-2024 The Plan is the first of three county level action plans covering the period 2023 to 2030. The purpose of which is to co-ordinate a multi-agency road safety policy and implementation at county level. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07

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    7.1.7 TRANSPORT PLANNING AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES The National Planning Framework at Project Ireland 2040, as well as the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western region set out national policy to support national and regional growth objectives, however local planning is required in order to meet those objectives and to ensure actions are delivered in a structured and measured way. The following plans, guidelines and policy documents will be considered when planning and designing transport infrastructure in the County: Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025 Our Rural Future is the Government’s national rural regeneration policy. It suggests that rural areas are the engine for national progress, a view which underpins the Monaghan County Development Plan, which aims ‘to strengthen rural communities by supporting agricultural-diversification, tourism and opportunities for rural economic growth where local employment opportunities can be provided’. Our Rural Future sets out a vision of engaged and integrated communities in vibrant rural places that play an integral role in the social and economic development of rural Ireland itself and the national economy. It introduces the Town Centre First Principle. The policy notes ‘Local Authorities play a leading role in the regeneration and revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. Working directly with communities and local businesses, they are central to creating the conditions to improve the attractiveness of town and village centres, stimulate business and support residential development. They do this through a range of measures including improvements in the public realm, the provision of civic amenities, the acquisition of strategic sites for development, including through the judicious use of Compulsory Purchase Orders, and the provision of a variety of services.’ Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to Improving the Efficiency of Ireland’s Transport System (Draft Strategy, April 2024) This Draft Strategy aims to manage and reduce congestion, making the country’s transport system work better for everyone. The new Strategy encourages an urban first approach to rolling out measures, where other travel options exist, and aims to improve journey times for car drivers, public transport users, business and freight, leading to improvements in local air quality and reduced stress with associated health benefits for drivers and non-drivers alike. It does not contain a prescriptive series of actions. Instead, it provides a firm policy direction and suite of options, such as road space reallocation, progressive taxation, freight efficiency, or behavioural incentives - that can be taken at national, regional and local levels to bring about the systems changed needed. It is also intended that the Strategy will provide guidance needed for Local Authorities and local council representatives to develop plans for their own areas that suit their own communities’ needs best. Once finalised, Monaghan County Council will be in a position to implement policies and options identified in the Strategy. Spatial Planning and National Roads - Guidelines for Planning Authorities The guidance document, ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, January 2012’, published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG), sets out policy considerations relating to development affecting National Primary and Secondary Roads, including motorways and associated junctions, outside the 50-60 kph speed limit zones for cities, towns, and villages. The Guidelines seek to achieve and maintain a safe and efficient network of National Roads in the broader context of sustainable development strategies. These guidelines state that Development Plans must include: k Measurable objectives for securing more compact development that reduces overall demand for transport and encourages modal shift towards sustainable travel modes. k Policies which seek to maintain and protect the safety, capacity and efficiency of National Roads and associated junctions, avoiding the creation of new accesses and the intensification of existing accesses to National Roads where a speed limit greater than 50 kph applies, and k Clear policies and objectives with regard to planning and reservation of new routes and/or upgrades. To demonstrate compliance with the guidelines, planning for significant development proposals or developments which result in cumulative road impacts may require: k a Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) prepared in accordance with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines, and k a Road Safety Audit (RSA) , undertaken in accordance with the TII Road Safety Audit standard. 168 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

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