Development plan · Roscommon County Council
Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Roscommon County Council · 2022–2028 · 238 pages
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- Table 6.1: Walking and Cycling Routes in County Roscommon Walk Name Location Length Difficulty Kilronan Castle - Lake walk Ballyfarnon 2kms - 4.6km Easy Knockranny Wood loop Keadue 1km Easy Multi Access Trail Corrigeenroe 0.5km - 1km Easy Lough Key Forest Park Slí Boyle 3.8kms Easy Bockagh Hill Loop Ballaghaderreen 4.5km - 7km Easy Lough Errit Walking Trails Gortnaganny 4km - 8km Easy Lough O’Flynn - Bog loop Ballinlough 3.4km - 5km Easy Castlerea Trails Castlerea 6km Easy to Moderate Cloonfad Scenic Walks Cloonfad 7.8km Easy Sliabh Bawn - Trim Trail Strokestown 2.9km Moderate Ballintubber Rambling Loop Ballintubber Village 4km Easy to Moderate Cloonlarge Bog Walk Kilteevan 6.4km Easy Mote Park Roscommon 20km Easy Castlecoote Loop Castlecoote Village 5.2km Easy Rinn Duin - Castle Loop Lecarrow 3kms Easy Shannonbridge Ballinasloe 5.2km Easy Miner’s Way & Historical Trail Boyle/Arigna/Keadue 118km Easy to Moderate in places Suck Valley Way Castlerea/Castlecoote 105km Easy to Moderate in places Monksland Monksland 3.7km - 6.9km Easy Lung Lough Gara Castlerea to Ballaghaderreen 57km Easy National Famine Way Strokestown 18km Easy Loughnaneane Sculpture Trail Roscommon Town Network of paths Easy Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway Boyle 7.9km Easy to Moderate Green Heartlands Cycle way Mid and South Roscommon 211km Easy to Moderate 8181Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 6: Economic Development
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: ED 6.22 Promote tourism as an integral part of County Roscommon’s economic profile, supporting urban and rural enterprise, and recognising the key strategic location of the county and access to tourist sites and attractions. ED 6.23 Continue to support the implementation of the Roscommon Tourism Strategy 2017-2020 (and subsequent revisions) in line with national and regional policy, tourism trends and identified challenges, in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, tourism businesses and communities and other supporting agencies. ED 6.24 Support the preparation and implementation of Regional Tourism Plans in the County Development Plan, to support the continued collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and tourism stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and delivery of these tourism plans. ED 6.25 Promote the development of sustainable tourism as part of our economy, that recognises our landscapes, our cultural heritage and our environment. ED 6.26 Facilitate small scale enterprises, such as renovation of barns, outhouses or other existing structures for short term rental associated with an existing permanent residence or active farm/agri-tourism enterprise. Proposals to reinstate, conserve and/or renovate existing, vacant, derelict or disused buildings for holiday accommodation will also be given favourable consideration subject to normal planning criteria. ED 6.27 Collaborate with relevant state bodies, neighbouring Local Authorities and local communities in delivering a UNESCO accredited, Biosphere for Lough Ree and the Mid- Shannon Wilderness Park. ED 6.28 Encourage walking and cycling as sustainable transport modes and healthy recreational activities by ensuring that a network of safe, well-marked and maintained rights-of-way, walking and cycle routes, and footpaths are provided throughout the county. ED 6.29 Facilitate the creation of a network of cycling/ walking routes (including existing footpaths and walking routes, off road routes, local walks, tourist walks, medium and long distance walking routes) within the county. ED 6.30 Develop linkages between existing and new trails, particularly those with a historic association in adjoining counties, in cooperation with Inland Waterways, Fáilte Ireland and with other relevant stakeholders to provide linkages with trails in adjoining counties in partnership with their Councils. ED 6.31 Ensure that development proposals in the vicinity of walking routes and cycleways, including those identified in Table 6.1, do not hinder the use and general amenity value of the routes. 8282Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 6: Economic Development
- CHAPTERInfrastructure, Transport and Communications 7 83
- 7 Infrastructure, Transport and Communications 7.1 Introduction One of the ten National Strategic Outcomes set out in the NPF is sustainable mobility. The provision of sustainable modes of travel such as public transport, walking and cycling will contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport and a low carbon transport system the Council will seek to achieve a more balanced and sustainable pattern of movement within the county and will endeavour to facilitate a greater choice of transport modes. The provision of a well-functioning multi-modal transport network is essential to ensuring the county’s economic competitiveness. The Core Strategy of this Plan identif ies the integration of land use planning and transportation as a guiding principle in planning for the compact growth of the settlements of County Roscommon. The Plan supports and encourages sustainable and compact forms of development, which will reduce car dependency and lower carbon emissions. Both the NPF and the RSES emphasise the importance of good connectivity and access infrastructure, in order to link the Metropolitan Areas, Growth Centres and Key Towns of the Northern and Western Region, for the sustainable development of the region. The NPF also promotes balanced regional development with enhanced regional accessibility. This is further promoted in the RSES through Growth Ambition 3 (Connected Region) which also supports the provision of enhanced digital infrastructure to aid regional development. The required shift away from car use presents challenges at local level in rural counties such as Roscommon. This plan outlines measures that will encourage a more sustainable approach to transportation in the county and can be implemented in an incremental and practical way at local levels. 8484 Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I
- 7.2 Land use planning and transportation The integration of land-use and transportation can help reduce the need to travel and can facilitate sustainable urban development by shaping the pattern of development and location and scale of centres of growth. This integration is central to national policy as outlined in the NPF, as well as the national policy document Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future, 2009-2020. This County Development Plan therefore 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 Roscommon, in order to reduce car dependency. The plan strongly supports the creation of compact urban 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. INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: ITC 7.1 Support and facilitate the integration of land use with transportation infrastructure, through the development of sustainable compact settlements within the hierarchy of settlements as identified within the Core Strategy and which are well served by public transport. ITC 7.2 Promote sustainable land use planning measures which facilitate transportation efficiency, economic returns on transport investment, minimisation of environmental impacts and a general shift towards the greater use of public transportation throughout the county. ITC 7.3 Ensure primacy for transport options that provide for unit reductions in carbon emissions. This can most effectively be done by promoting public transport, walking and cycling, and by actively seeking to reduce car use in circumstances where alternative options are available. ITC 7.4 Prepare, in conjunction with Westmeath County Council and relevant agencies, an Area Based Transport Plan for Athlone, to facilitate the growth of Athlone as a Regional Growth Centre. ITC 7.5 Prepare an Area Based Transport Plan for Roscommon in conjunction with relevant agencies, to support the growth of Roscommon as a Key Town. 8585Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
- 7.3 Public Transport The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to our national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2019 outlines a 40% reduction in GHG by 2030 and at least 50% by 2050. 23 Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 6.15; 24 RPO 6.17. Moves towards a low carbon society must coincide with improvements to existing levels of public transport services in order to provide more viable and attractive alternative to the private car. This plan promotes a shift towards smarter, more sustainable modes of travelling and reducing the overreliance on the private car. This approach is in line with National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 5 of the NPF which advocates the expansion of attractive public transport alternatives to car transport to meet the needs of our settlements and rural areas. In addition to being discussed in the context of transport in this chapter, measures and actions necessary to achieve compliance with the targets set in the national Climate Action Plan 2019 are discussed in depth in Chapter 8 (Climate Action, Energy and Environment). Future growth, both in terms of employment and residential development must be based on sustainable modes of transport. Given the strategic position of County Roscommon in terms of the national transport infrastructure and arterial public transport routes, the potential for the development of integrated transport hubs within the county will be explored in conjunction with the promotion of improved public transport connectivity between towns and villages within the county. RAIL The county is served by two rail lines (Dublin/ Westport and Dublin/Sligo), with operational railway stations in Boyle, Castlerea, Cortober (Carrick-on-Shannon) and Roscommon. Athlone is served by the Dublin/Westport/Galway rail line, with the railway station being located close to the town centre, in County Westmeath. Trains operate on each route several times daily. Iarnród Éireann in its strategic policy document Rail Vision 2030: The Future of Rail Transport in Ireland seek to provide for the maintenance and renewal of existing rail infrastructure, to avoid the asset being “run down” over time. This critical infrastructure has also been recognised in the RSES for the northern and western region, which promotes an increase in the capacity of the Dublin/Sligo rail line.23 In the longer-term, electrification of the rail network is supported in the RSES.24 86Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I86 Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
- BUS Bus services play a vital social role in rural communities, linking rural areas with settlements and essential services such as schools, employment and community facilities. In addition to a number of Bus Éireann services, there are a number of Local Link bus routes in operation throughout Roscommon which provide vital public transport links from rural areas to key settlements within the county. In addition to community bus routes operated under the Rural Transport Initiative, private bus operators service both urban centres and rural communities. Roscommon County Council will collaborate with the National Transport Authority in the preparation and implementation of the Connecting Ireland programme which aims to retain and enhance existing services, introduce new and improved connections between villages and towns and provide better access to public transport in rural areas. COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) CNG is natural gas that has been compressed to fit into a vehicle’s tank and is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. The development of CNG Infrastructure will enable fuel switching from diesel to CNG for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses. CNG is an established technology that is used in many countries around the world. CNG vehicles can be run on 100% renewable gas. This is a clean, renewable and carbon neutral fuel, produced using Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology from existing waste streams and a variety of sustainable biomass sources, including grass, animal waste, crop residues and food waste. Infrastructure development for CNG is already underway in Ireland, with 14 fast fill CNG stations being installed across the Core TEN-T road network. INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: ITC 7.6 Support the continued integration of national, regional and local bus and rail services to ensure the delivery of a fully integrated public transport service. ITC 7.7 Support and encourage public transport providers and rural community transport initiatives to enhance the provision of public transportation services linking the rural villages to the main towns within Roscommon. ITC 7.8 Facilitate the expansion and development of existing and any future proposed rail facilities and supporting infrastructure within the county. ITC 7.9 Collaborate with the National Transport Authority in the preparation and implementation of the Connecting Ireland programme. ITC 7.10 Support the operation of existing bus services and facilitate the provision of improved facilities for bus users in towns and villages. Such provision is particularly required in towns and villages not served by national routes. ITC 7.11 Investigate the potential to develop integrated public transport hubs in the county during the lifetime of this Plan, in order to facilitate improved public transport connectivity and encourage increased usage. 8787Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
- 7.4 Road Transportation and Movement Both the NPF and the RSES for the Northern and Western Region acknowledge that accessibility between centres of scale needs to be significantly improved. The road network will continue to be of significance in the future development of the county and ensuring sufficient connectivity within the county, as well as wider regional and national connectivity, as advocated in Growth Ambition 3 (Connected Region) of the RSES is vital. Due to its location in the centre of the country, Roscommon and its urban centres are well served by a hierarchy of roads including sections of motorways, national roads, regional road and local roads. The M6, N4, N5, N60, N61, N63 and N83 traverse the county, providing important linkages and networks within, into and out of the county. The public road network in Roscommon extends to approximately 4,000km, with over 233km of National Primary and Secondary roads. Table 7.1: County Roscommon Road Class and Length Road Class Length (km) Motorway 20.22 National Primary 85.68 National Secondary 147.70 Regional 373.90 Local Roads 3,380.48 Total 4,009.98 The N61 is particularly critical in terms of wider connectivity, linking the Regional Growth Centres of Athlone and Sligo and is highlighted in the RSES as a priority project in the region. This route is essential in providing regional connectivity, addressing peripherality and facilitating links to services such as education, healthcare, employment and enterprise. Improving the road network is central to this as well as maintaining strategic links between urban centres that have been identified as key economic drivers. Planned road improvements during the lifetime of the Plan are detailed in Table 7.2 and Table 7.3. 88Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I88 Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
- Table 7.2: Planned Road Improvements Planned Motorway and National Road Projects Route Proposal Approximate Location Timeframe 2022-2028 N4 N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Road Project Drumharlow townland in Roscommon to Faulties townland in Co. Leitrim Co-operate with Leitrim Co. Co. (as the lead Authority) to ensure publication of Statutory Planning documentation (subject to TII approval) N5 N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Ballaghaderreen bypass to Scramoge townland (35km) Seek TII & Government approval to award the main construction contract. Construct the project during the lifetime of the CDP M6, N4, N5 Continue programme of pavement improvement and maintenance, signage and markings and winter maintenance As per annual programme of works Ongoing on an annual basis Planned National Secondary Road Projects Route Proposal/Scheme Approximate Location Timeframe 2022-2028 N60 Upgrade route within the county Roscommon town to Ballinlough (county boundary) Develop strategy for the upgrade of this route and seek TII funding for its implementation N61 Athlone - Boyle 60kms within Co Roscommon Seek reclassification of this route to National Primary status N61 - Tulsk to Clashaganny Tulsk to Clashaganny Townland 4.1km Complete the Planning & Design stages of the project, including publication of the CPO (subject to TII approval) N61-Ballymurray to Knockcroghery (Lecarrow) Carrowroe Townland to Killiaghan and Gort Towland 14km Complete the Planning & Design stages of the project including publication of the Statutory Planning documentation (subject to TII approval) N61 - Lecarrow to Athlone 13Km from Lecarrow to N6/M6 in Athlone Seek TII funding to progress the Planning & Design stages Roscommon Town to Boyle Roscommon Town to Boyle Progress the improvement of all remaining deficient sections of the N61 route between Coolteige cross and Boyle in conjunction with TII Upgrade route within the county Ballaghleague to Mount Talbot (County Boundary) Develop strategy for the upgrade of route and seek funding from the TII for its implement N63 Upgrade route within the county Ballaghleague to Mount Talbot (County Boundary) Develop strategy for the upgrade of route and seek funding from the TII for its implement N83 Upgrade all of N83 in County Roscommon Gorteenacamaddil to Cloonfad East Develop strategy for the upgrade of this route and seek TII funding for its implementation N60 N61 N63 N83 Continue programme of pavement improvement and maintenance, signage and markings and winter maintenance As per annual programme of works Ongoing on an annual basis 8989Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
- Table 7.3: Planned Roads Improvements (Non National Roads) Planned Non-National Road Improvements Ref Description 1 Construct Link Road from Old Tuam Road/New Tuam Road (R362/L2047) junction to N61 at Bogganfin 2 Upgrade the following roads in Monksland New Tuam Road R362 Old Tuam Road L2047 Drum Road Crannagh to Danesfort R446 3 Provide Traffic Calming measures on the R446 approach to Monksland in Crannagh & Summerhill 4 Extend the 5th Arm of the N63/N61 Lanesborough Road Roundabout to the N61 at Ardsallagh 5 Provide Cycle routes/lanes around County Roscommon under Smarter/Active Travel Measures and incorporate Smarter/Active Travel measures in all Capital Projects as appropriate. 6 Upgrade the following roads in Roscommon Town Ballinagard Road L1814 Golf Links Road L7055 Gallowstown Road L1808 Lisnamult to Roscommon Gael L70525 Antogher Road L7052 7 Upgrade the Croghan Road R370 and the Elphin Road R368 in the village of Cortober while enhancing the link between the Train Station and the Village. 8 Upgrade roads, footpaths, surface water sewers and public lighting in other towns and villages as resources permit 9 Improve the Safety of roads through Low Cost Safety Measures funded through the Department of Transport 10 Implement measures identified in the Roscommon Town Approaches and Movement Study 2021. Where projects for new infrastructure, including green infrastructure, are not already provided for by existing plans / programmes or are not already permitted, then the feasibility of progressing these projects should be examined, taking into account planning need, environmental sensitivities as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the plan relating to sustainable mobility. A Corridor and Route Selection Process should be undertaken where appropriate, for relevant new road infrastructure in two stages: Stage 1 – Route Corridor Identification, Evaluation and Selection and Stage 2 – Route Identification, Evaluation and Selection. Continued investment in improvements to the road network is vital to maintain the carrying capacity of the network. In order to ensure that the investment, as well as the function of the national road network is not undermined, all development proposals involving access onto National Primary and National Secondary roads will be assessed having regard to the provisions of Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2012). 90Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I90 Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport and Communications
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