Development plan · Monaghan County Council
Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Monaghan County Council · 2025–2031 · 376 pages
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- 179 In addition to this, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (NWRA RSES) 2020 – 2032 makes provision for an East-West Route which follows the route of the R-178 through County Monaghan, as illustrated in Figure 7.11 ‘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)’. Monaghan County Council will work collaboratively with other Local Authorities in the region to implement measures that can assist in delivering the objectives of the route, subject to ringfenced funding being made available. road strategic regional routes R162 Monaghan-Ballybay R178 Dundalk-Carrickmacross-Shercock R180 Ballybay-Lough Egish-Carrickmacross R181 Keady-Castleblayney-Lough Egish-Shercock R183 Castleblayney-Ballybay-Clones R188 Monaghan-Cootehill R190 Ballybay-Cootehill TABLE 7.5 STRATEGIC REGIONAL ROUTES FIGURE 7.11 PROPOSED EAST/WEST DUNDALK TO SLIGO ROAD Source: Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 -2032. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07
- 180 RRP 2 To develop a Regional Road Intervention Strategy, using appropriate modelling and analysis (in collaboration with other agencies where appropriate) to identify priority sections for improvement. RRP 3 To develop proposals to improve safety on Regional Routes, including road realignments and upgrades, road widening and verge widening, pavement improvement including drainage enhancement, junction upgrades, public lighting, provision for vulnerable road users, road boundary treatments and road safety measures. Funding and resources should be prioritised on the Regional Road Intervention Strategy once developed. In the interim priority should be given to investment in Strategic Regional Routes, or at locations where specific issues have been identified. REGIONAL ROADS POLICIES RRP 4 To protect the traffic carrying capacity of Regional Roads, particularly Strategic Regional Roads, by ensuring new development on Regional Roads makes appropriate provision for road safety and the improvement of the route for all road users. RRP 5 Access and road design details on Regional Roads shall comply with TII Rural Road Link Design DN-GEO-03031. Any development with the potential to impact on the carrying capacity and/or safety of the Regional Road shall include proposals to avoid, remedy or mitigate the impact. Such proposals may include the payment of a contribution toward the cost of any required mitigation works. RRP 6 To implement a pavement maintenance strategy that optimises the management of the Regional Road Network, providing best value for money to the taxpayer while managing road safety. 7.3.3 LOCAL ROADS Monaghan County Council is responsible for the improvement and upkeep of 2,155 kilometres of local roads throughout the County. Each of the three Municipal Districts are responsible for the improvement and upkeep of local roads within their jurisdiction. The local roads in County Monaghan make up 84% of the road network and serve an important role. Local roads are classed as Local Primary, Local Secondary and Local Tertiary depending on the levels of traffic and carriageway width. Local roads are of critical importance to the economic and social activity within the County given the County’s low level of urbanisation and dispersed settlement pattern. The maintenance and improvement of these roads is financed from local resources and supplemented by state grants. The Multi-Annual Road Works Programme sets out the order of priority of improvement works to be completed by the Council. RRP 1 To work collaboratively with other local authorities in the region to implement measures that can assist in delivering the objectives of the East-West route identified in the Northern and Western Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 – 2032. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 181 LRP 1 To prioritise improvement works at locations where road safety and traffic management issues can be addressed, including specific works at junctions, at bridges, signage, road markings, footpaths, public lighting, and traffic management facilities, and in accordance with all relevant environmental protection requirements, including conservation requirements, subject to available resources. LRP 3 To facilitate development on the local road network by allowing developers to contribute toward the capital and maintenance cost of the local road network by participating in the Community Involvement Scheme or through direct contributions. LRP 4 To support the maintenance of the local road network by providing support and assistance to communities, groups or individuals who wish to participate in the Community Involvement Scheme. LRP 5 To facilitate the improvement of non-public roads under the Local Improvement Scheme Programme funded by state grants and contributions from benefiting landowners. LRP 2 To implement a pavement maintenance strategy that optimises the management of the local road network, providing best value for money to the taxpayer while managing road safety. LOCAL ROADS POLICIES 7.3.4 ROADS IN URBAN AREAS Achieving a balance between development objectives and facilitating transport can be difficult. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets states, ‘It is beyond doubt that the streets of our cities and towns, suburbs and villages, should be safe, attractive and comfortable for all users. As well as cars and other vehicles this encompasses pedestrians, cyclists, and those using public transport. It also includes people of all ages and abilities and is equally relevant to residents and visitors. As Ireland follows the global trend towards increased urbanisation we must ensure our cities and towns are pleasant, safe and healthy places to live’. Adaptation of existing roads and urban spaces to cater for the needs of through traffic, local traffic, commercial businesses, residents and vulnerable road users may require significant intervention that reallocates road space and may change priority. Projects in urban areas will consider the needs of all road users, while taking into account other national, regional and local strategies and objectives. Anticipated increases in demand for serviced land for residential, commercial and industrial uses in each of the five main towns places pressures on the existing urban road network and requires the development of new access and relief roads. The provision of new relief roads and urban roads could reduce congestion for road users, divert traffic away from town centres, facilitate new development including compact town centre development, and assist in meeting sustainable transport and climate action objectives. A number of strategic new routes have been identified in each town, which are listed in Table 7.6. Subject to funding, resources and approvals, these road proposals will be developed in line with relevant road transport planning guidelines, taking into consideration the need for the scheme, constraints, options and alternatives, environment, cost, and in consultation with stakeholders. Project development will be subject to the Transport Appraisal Framework and the Public Spending Code. For the purposes of this plan, the following road connections are proposed: Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07
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- 183 chapter 01chapter 07 UARP 1 Subject to resources, funding and approvals, to progress identified upgrades of the urban road network. UARP 2 Re-allocate road space to optimise the use of existing infrastructure, to facilitate active travel, facilitate public and shared transport, enhance the public realm, improve road safety or deliver on climate change actions to support the delivery of national, regional and local strategies and policies. UARP 3 Public realm, traffic calming, and transport projects will seek to balance the needs of all road users, while taking into account other national, regional and local strategies and objectives, including climate action targets. UARP 4 The carrying capacity of strategic transport routes shall be protected in urban areas, while balancing the need to develop urban areas and cater for sustainable mobility and vulnerable road users. URBAN AREA ROAD POLICIES TABLE 7.6 STRATEGIC NEW ROUTES IN THE FIVE COUNTY TOWNS TOWN ROAD DESCRIPTION k Monaghan Town Northern Link Road, connecting the N54 Clones Road to N2/N12 National Primary Routes (As set out in Table 7.3). k Extension of Oriel Way Southern link road to provide transport connectivity between the N54 Clones Road and R188 Cootehill Road. k Development of a Southern link between the R162 Ballybay Road and the N2 Dublin Road. k Development of a link Road from the N12 Armagh Road to provide a connection to the N2 Monaghan Town Bypass. k Development of a link road from Roosky Vale to the rear of Dublin Street. k Development of a Mid-town transport connection between development lands at Annahagh and the town centre. k Widening of Annahagh Lane to facilitate residential development. k Upgrade of Black Lane to facilitate further development. MONAGHAN k Develop an inner link road between the R178 Shercock Road and the R180 Ballybay Road/Castleblayney Road (N2). k Develop a western link road which can provide connection between the R179 Kingscourt Road, R178 Shercock Road, and R180 Lough Egish Road. CARRICKMACROSS k Link Road between the R181 Keady Road and the R938 Monaghan Road. k N2 – N53 Link Road (As set out in Table 7.3). k Link Road between the Bog Road and the R938 Monaghan Road. k Link from McGrath Road to Bog Road. CASTLEBLAYNEY k Link from Monaghan Road (N54) to Roslea Road (LP2110) and the extension of the Monaghan Road (N54) – Roslea Road Link Road (around St. Tiarnach’s Park). CLONES Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07
- 7.4 ACTIVE TRAVEL AND RECREATIONAL WALKING AND CYCLING Transport provision has been focused on vehicular traffic for a long number of years. There is now a greater focus on providing infrastructure to strengthen and support the creation of an environment that is attractive and safe for walking, cycling and wheeling. Every public transport trip has an active travel element, and the interconnectivity of public transport and active travel must be considered. Almost every journey has a walking component. Many short journeys are only practical by walking. Active travel measures must achieve inclusivity with the needs and requirements of people of all ages and those with disabilities (including mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments) considered. The provision of quality cycling, wheeling and walking facilities is key to an integrated transport system in towns and villages where the potential for short trips by foot, scooter or on bicycle can provide an economical, non-polluting, and flexible form of transport which can deliver improvements to overall health and wellbeing. The provision of infrastructure such as designated cycle paths, greenways, walking paths and trails also supports recreation and tourism. The enhancement of such provision and the promotion of a modal shift away from the use of the private car is a key objective of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, 2022. The Department of Transport (DoT) defines active travel as ‘travelling with a purpose, using your own energy’. Walking, cycling, wheeling using non-motorised scooter, using E-scooters and E-bikes to make journeys to work, school or the shops, for example, are all considered forms of active travel. Walking, wheeling, and cycling are the most sustainable and cost-effective modes of transport with considerable environmental, social and wellbeing benefits. Over recent years new technology has become more common and accessible, which has resulted in new regulations that clarify which modes of transport can use walking and cycling infrastructure and access pedestrianised areas: k E-scooters: In May 2024 the Government introduced the ‘Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024’, which has made e-scooters legal in Ireland. E-scooters are allowed in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads, and provision must be made for their inclusion when planning cycle lanes. E-scooters must not use footpaths or pedestrianised areas or motorways. k E-bikes: An e-bike is a pedal-assisted electric bike. Pedal-assisted means the electric motor stops providing power when you stop pedalling. E-bikes are treated the same as conventional bikes under Irish law. A licence is not required to ride an ebike, and the e-bike does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. An e-bike used on a public road must have: u A maximum power output of 250 watts or less u A motor that cuts off once you stop pedalling u A maximum speed of 25km per hour. u Front and rear lights (switched on during lighting-up hours and darkness). Cargo bikes which meet these exact requirements are also classified as e-bikes. An e-bike that does not meet these technical standards is categorised as an e-moped. Compliant e-bikes will be treated as bicycles in terms of traffic legislation and use on public roads. They will be permitted to use cycle lanes and bus lanes but will not be permitted to use footpaths. k E-mopeds: E-mopeds, also known as speed pedelecs, s-pedelecs and throttle e-mopeds, are powered cycles with pedals that have an electrical power-assist greater than e-bikes and are often capable of speeds in excess of even fast cyclists. Because of this additional power, all emopeds will require vehicle registration through Revenue and have annual motor tax (€35 per annum). Users must be 16 years or over. There are different categories of e-mopeds, and some require licencing. Some categories are permitted to use cycle lanes and bus lanes. No category of e- moped is permitted to use footpaths and pedestrianised areas. 184 UARP 5 Access and road design details on urban roads shall be designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets where speed limits are below 50km/h, or other relevant design standards as appropriate. UARP 6 Any development with the potential to impact on the carrying capacity and/or safety of the urban road network shall include proposals to avoid, remedy or mitigate the impact. Such proposals may include the payment of a contribution toward the cost of any required mitigation works. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- k Powered wheelchairs are used by persons who have a mobility disability and are regarded for all intents and purposes as having pedestrian status i.e., their motorised wheelchair being an extension of the person rather than as a mode of transport vehicle. No distinction is made between selfpropelled and powered wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs can be used on footpaths, can enter pedestrianised streets and cycle tracks, and can enter buildings etc. in the same manner as pedestrians. (Source: Road Safety Authority). The Department of Transport (DoT) works closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to deliver, together with local authorities, a wide-ranging programme of active travel infrastructure, and the programme includes initiatives such as the Safe Routes to School Programme, Bike Week, Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses, CycleRight Training etc. The Active Travel Unit in the Council is a specific department whose role is to work in partnership with other departments and sectors to implement active travel initiatives and deliver active travel infrastructure, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA). Active travel projects are also delivered through the Road Design office and are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Policies relating to recreational walking and cycling fall under the remit of other Government Departments, including the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM), the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), however many recreational facilities complement and provide integral and essential parts of the active travel network, and the active travel objectives and policies of this Development Plan include projects that fall into the category of ‘Recreational Projects’. Funding for Greenway projects is allocated from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and there are a number of Greenway routes being considered through County Monaghan. Active travel in County Monaghan will be delivered with reference to key active travel and recreational infrastructure strategies and plans, including: k National Cycle Network, k CycleConnects, k Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, k An Integrated Transport Plan for County Monaghan, once complete, k County Monaghan Walking and Cycling Strategy 2021 – 2026, k Ulster Canal Greenway Strategy, k Local Transport Plans and Sustainable Mobility Plans, and k Any other relevant strategies that may be developing during the lifetime of this plan. Greenways, longer distance active travel routes, and active travel projects that connect with other transport networks or service larger areas may require ancillary infrastructure for their successful operation, which may include parking areas and cycle/E-scooter parking, toilet and rest facilities, service areas including coffee docks, cafes or retail premises, CCTV, emergency access points, maintenance provision, signage and traffic management equipment. The Council should support and facilitate engagement with local communities and relevant stakeholders prior to the design and construction of any proposed greenway, particularly where the greenway route is in close proximity to dwelling houses. All cycling infrastructure in urban areas should be designed in accordance with the NTA’s Cycle Design Manual (www.cyclemanual.ie) or the TII design standard ‘Rural Cycleway Design (Offline and Greenway), DN-GEO-03047’. Shared spaces are to be designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. 185 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07
- 186 APT 1 Subject to funding, implement a programme of measures to support and promote active travel in the County with the support of funding from the Active Travel Investment Programme of the NTA, TII and the Department of Transport. APT 2 To promote cycling and walking as an efficient, sustainable, healthy, recreational and viable commuting mode of transport. APT 3 With reference to national, regional and local plans and strategies, develop over time an integrated network of high-quality Active Travel and recreational walking, wheeling and cycling routes with ancillary infrastructure that enhances and improves the user experience and comfort to create an environment where people are encouraged and supported to make a modal shift toward sustainable, low-carbon travel options for everyday journeys. APT 5 With reference to key plans and strategies, to plan for and deliver new and/or improved Active Travel and recreational walking, wheeling and cycling facilities along new Active Travel/Greenway corridors, existing roads, proposed roads, roads being upgraded, where feasible and practical. APT 6 Where appropriate, make provision for other infrastructure ancillary to Greenways, Active Travel routes or recreational walking/cycling facilities to increase the attractiveness of Active Travel, to improve user experience, or to connect with public transport services. APT 7 To protect planned and established routes from development that would adversely impact upon them. APT 8 To plan for and develop, in co-operation and consultation with adjoining local authorities and cross border bodies, active travel infrastructure and greenways networks to connect main urban centres and public transport services throughout central Ulster Region. APT 9 To support the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure and prioritise the expansion of the greenway and blueway network and to deliver active travel and greenway projects to achieve transport modal shift by encouraging cycling, walking, and running as an alternative to travel by car. APT 10 To prepare Sustainable Mobility Plans for Ballybay, Castleblayney and Clones, during the lifetime of this plan. APT 11 To require that active travel facilities are provided for in the development of new or expanding institutions, employment centres, sports complexes, and leisure facilities, including adequate covered bicycle parking and locker rooms with shower facilities, as appropriate. APT 4 To encourage that all new developments are designed to integrate into an active travel network, linking with adjoining developments and institutions, providing cycle and pedestrian-friendly development layouts, infrastructure, and facilities. Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure shall be designed in accordance with DMURS and/or the NTA’s Cycle Design Manual. The interface with the road network and connectivity to other local walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure will be considered as part of the design, and where appropriate proposals shall be included to mitigate or improve connectivity to the network as part of the development. Such proposals may include the payment of a contribution toward the cost of any required mitigation or improvement works. ACTIVE TRAVEL AND RECREATIONAL WALKING AND CYCLING POLICIES Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 187 APT 12 Proposals for new greenways should minimise the impact on residential amenity and, where appropriate, include proposals for the provision of additional native species screening. This requirement does not apply to greenways which follow the route of public roads and in instances where residential amenity has already been compromised. APT 13 Amenity and active travel infrastructure proposals are to be designed in consideration of the EPA Research Report, 'Connecting with Nature for Health and Wellbeing' (2020). 7.5 PUBLIC AND SHARED TRANSPORT As we transition towards a low carbon economy and government policy may disincentivise private transport options, access to a broad range of transport alternatives is essential in ensuring a ‘Just Transition’ for County Monaghan’s population. A Just Transition is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. While active travel is a prime focus of new infrastructure and investment, it is not always a feasible alternative to motorised transport, particularly for longer journeys, or for those with mobility impairments. Public transport plays a key role in providing an alternative to private transport, and in County Monaghan the only public transport option is bus services. As congestion increases and with transport networks making specific provision for bus corridors, bus services are becoming a popular option for people travelling to the airport and to cities, and ‘Park and Ride’ facilities that allow motorists to park and access public transport have been successfully developed in other counties. As transport costs increase, ‘Park and Share’ facilities may be required in County Monaghan to support shared transport. Park and Share facilities allow drivers to avail of long-term parking and share lifts with other drivers. In Dundalk, TII and Louth County Council opened a 226 bay Park and Share facility off the M1, and which it is understood has been operating at near capacity. Taxis, hackneys and limousines are considered to be Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV), and they also play a key role in providing access to transport services, particularly outside of normal public transport operating hours and in areas not serviced by public transport. Facilities for SPSVs may be required to create safe waiting areas, such as safe taxi ranks, CCTV systems, shelters, seating and information systems. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to provide high quality, accessible, sustainable transport across Ireland. The NTA plans, procures and oversees Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport, ensuring that vital bus and rail services are available to communities across the country under the Transport for Ireland brand. The NTA delivers the technologies and services that provide integrated information and methods of payment for public transport services. The Authority is also responsible for the licensing of taxi and bus operators and for the integration of all transport modes. In County Monaghan, towns in close proximity to the N2 National Primary Route are served by national bus routes operating the Dublin-Letterkenny/Derry route and private operators along the Monaghan to Dublin route. Some of these routes provide a public transport service to the villages located along their route. Bus Eireann offers limited services from Monaghan, Cavan and Dundalk, while Ulster Bus operates routes to Belfast City. East – West routes and inter local village routes have traditionally not been well served by public transport. The National Transport Authority is responsible for the Rural Transport Programme/TFI Local Link. TFI Local Link is managed and administered nationally by 15 Transport Co-ordination Units who are operating on behalf of Transport for Ireland (TFI). TFI Local Link operate two different types of service; Regular Rural Bus Services and Door-to-Door Bus Services. Regular Rural Bus Services operate on a fixed route between towns and villages and have a scheduled timetable, just like any other public transport bus service. Door to Door Services are routebased services with the added benefit of collecting and dropping off passengers directly at their homes. TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan (Cavan Monaghan TCU CLG) have responsibility for the geographic area of Cavan Monaghan. The National Transport Authority is implementing its 5- year strategy – ‘Connecting Ireland 2021–2026’, which aims to give over 70% of those living outside cities access to a public transport service that provides at least three return trips each weekday to a nearby town. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Transport and infrastructurechapter 07
- 188 Infrastructure to support public transport use is essential if passenger numbers are to increase and must consider the needs of all passengers. This may include bus shelters, bus stops with access facilities, park and ride facilities (including bicycle and E-bike/E- scooter parking), and ancillary infrastructure such as seating, information systems and signage, ticketing systems etc. Other new innovations around transport sharing include car and van sharing networks, these can provide lower cost options than vehicle ownership and may encourage more people to embrace alternative transport solutions instead of having personal vehicles. Provision may be required to facilitate centrally located hub or pick up/drop-off points, potentially by the Council itself, through concession contracts or partnerships, or by the private sector. Cycle rental and cycle sharing initiatives are also common in larger urban areas where recreational infrastructure is already in place, and support commuter journeys and recreational journeys. Recreation based initiatives can greatly enhance the tourism offering and can boost the tourism economy. As the active travel and recreational walking and cycling infrastructure in County Monaghan develops, strategically located cycle sharing and rental facilities may be required to support equipment rental and sharing services, potentially by the Council itself, through concession contracts or partnerships, or by the private sector. PTO 1 To support, where possible, an integrated public transport service linking the villages and main towns in Monaghan that will assist in promoting the sustainable development of the County and service the needs of communities and businesses. PTO 2 To support and co-operate, where possible, with the NTA and Cavan Monaghan Transport Co-ordination Unit to further the continued operation and expansion of the Local Link bus service and facilitate the planning, delivery, and implementation of improvements to the transport network of the County. PTO 3 Provide and co-ordinate with ancillary public transport infrastructure, including active travel and shared mobility infrastructure, that enhances and improves user experience and comfort, thereby creating an environment where people are encouraged and supported to make a modal shift toward sustainable, low-carbon travel options for everyday journeys. PTO 4 Support the creation of safe and appropriately located bus stops and ancillary facilities along the road network and make provision for the safe and effective use of those facilities by passengers and bus service operators. PTO 5 Support the development of an integrated public transport service through the development of bus depots and hubs, bus parking or bus waiting areas in appropriate locations and where a need has been identified. PTO 6 Provide and support the development of Park and Ride facilities that support the dispersed population of County Monaghan to access public transport services. PTO 7 Provide Park and Share facilities that can safely and efficiently allow people to opt for low-carbon travel options. PTO 8 Develop the infrastructure necessary to allow Small Public Service Vehicles (Taxis, hackneys and limousines) to service County Monaghan. PUBLIC AND SHARED TRANSPORT POLICIES Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
Source Monaghan County Council: Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 (2025–2031) · 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.