Regional strategy (RSES) · Northern and Western Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032
The regional strategy for the Northern and Western Region, including the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
Northern and Western Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 320 pages
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- 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. g N3 North of Kells to Enniskillen, via Cavan and the A509 in Fermanagh g N5/N26/N58 Mount Falcon to Swinford, Castlebar East to Bohola Project g N13 Manorcunningham to Bridgend/Derry g N13 Stranorlar to Letterkenny g N15 Sligo to Bundoran g N15 Stranorlar to Lifford g N16 Sligo to Blacklion g N53 Dundalk to N2 at Carrickmacross g N54/A3 Cavan to Monaghan Town g N55 Cavan Town to Athlone g N56 lnver to Killybegs g N59 Upgrade (including the N59 Oughterard Bypass and the N59 Clifden to Oughterard Scheme) g N61 Athlone to Boyle improvement g N63 Longford to M17 at Annagh (Junction 18). REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES – REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROADS RPO 6.9 The following regional and local roads shall be progressed to an appropriate level of service in the short-term and in any case by 2027: g Garavogue Bridge Scheme, Sligo g Sligo Western Distributor Road. 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). Figure 57: East / West Dundalk to Sligo RoadNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 221 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- RAIL NETWORK Intercity rail services play a key role in offering sustainable travel alternatives for longer distance trips, providing improved interregional connectivity. Related to this, there is scope for further improvements to be made to existing rail services, connecting the Galway, Castlebar/Ballina and Sligo lines to Dublin and the rest of the Irish rail network. This should be considered in relation to increased service frequencies, travel time reductions and better integration with local transport services. This will be assisted with the delivery of the new National Train Control Centre and through the utilisation of smart technology. Track improvements have to form part of the overall project. Many gaps exist within the region’s rail network and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 confirms that the Western Rail Corridor Phase 2 from Athenry to Tuam and phase 3 to Claremorris could increase passenger, tourist and commercial use. The Western Rail Corridor is of strategic importance as it represents a piece of key enabling and sustainable transport infrastructure for the region that presents an opportunity to effect ‘transformational change’ in the realisation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. It can link the economies of three major centres in this part of the region (Limerick, Galway and Sligo) and IWAK SDZ. It also offers a sustainable alternative to car travel and advancing Ireland’s sustainable development goals. In line with the National Development Plan, an independent review will be undertaken immediately and if the review concludes that the corridor should be reopened, and if that is approved by Government, the project should be prioritised during this plan period. Furthermore, the feasibility of providing a rail service to the North West City Region merits investigation. REGGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 6.11 To seek commencement and completion of the review of the Western Rail Corridor project as a priority for passenger and freight transport. RPO 6.12 Promote the upgrade of the capacity of the Athlone - Athenry - Galway rail line, including the provision of dual tracks and support provision of increased service stops between Athlone and Galway.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 222 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- RPO 6.13 (a) It shall be an objective to deliver the Athenry - Tuam - Claremorris - Sligo Rail to an appropriate level of service and to a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport. (b) It shall be an objective to progress through pre-appraisal and early planning the extension of the railway from Athenry - Tuam - Claremorris - Sligo. RPO 6.14 Support provision of Smarter Travel infrastructure. RPO 6.15 Promote enhancement of the capacity of the Sligo to Dublin rail line. RPO 6.16 Investigate the feasibility of extending the rail network to the North West City region from Sligo and Dublin. RPO 6.17 Support the development of a Strategy for the electrification of the rail network. Figure 58: Rail Network Sligo Ballina Castlebar Westport GALWAY Ennis Athlone Gorey Drogheda Portadown Athenry Carrick on Shannon Roscommon Shannon Tralee Kilkenny Rosslare Limerick Cork Waterford DUBLIN BELFAST Newry Lurgan Lisburn Dundalk Letterkenny Claremorris Knock Passenger lines Closed – disused line Western Rail CorridorNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 223 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- BUS NETWORK Bus services provide the backbone of the regional public transport system, in particular for those without access to the private car. Investment in these services will be focused on improving connectivity between regional settlements, including Galway City and Dublin, and enhancing the reliability and the level of service within and between key settlements. Within the Galway City Area, investment in bus infrastructure and services will be delivered through Bus Connects and the relevant parts of the GTS. Work is ongoing on transitioning buses to alternative fuels, with a commitment in the NDP to stop purchasing diesel-only buses for the urban bus fleet as well as ongoing Low Emission Bus Trials which were launched at the end of 2018. The ‘greening of buses’ trial aims to help further inform purchasing decisions for new buses over the coming years. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 6.18 Utilise smart technology to provide for enhanced service experience for customers. RPO 6.19 Reduce dependency on fossil-fuel powered vehicles. RPO 6.20 Undertake network reviews for city, regional centres and support towns across the region, to provide local bus services. RPO 6.21 Review bus services within and between settlements, including the rural transport programme, to provide for the enhanced and more connected provision of public transport service. RPO 6.22 Provide new interchange facilities and enhanced bus waiting facilities together with enhanced passenger information, utilising smart technology in appropriate circumstances.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 224 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- RURAL TRANSPORT The NTA supports rural transport services through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022. The key priorities of this programme continue to be directed at addressing rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. The programme mission statement is ‘to provide a quality nationwide community based public transport system in rural Ireland which respond to local needs’. The services provided under the programme are therefore intended to fulfil a primarily social function, in meeting the needs of communities outside of defined settlements. In addition to public transport services in rural areas provided by State and commercial transport operators, the NTA provides rural public transport services through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES 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. RPO 6.24 Support Cross-border sustainable transport, including but not limited to the delivery of the following: g North-West Multi-modal Mobility Hub g North-West Greenway g Ulster Canal Greenway. RPO 6.25 In addition to the foregoing, specific transport network supports shall be provided for the Islands that shall provide for safe access by sea and include but shall not be limited to the following: (a) Improved pier infrastructure on Inis Oír and Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands and at Machaire Rabhartaigh. (b) New passenger ferry vessel for Oileán Thoraí.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 225 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- WALKING AND CYCLING Facilitating modal shift to more sustainable transport options, including walking and cycling is a key element in promoting healthier lifestyles, better traffic management and assisting in mitigating climate change. It also provides for enhanced economic development opportunities, especially within the context of Greenways and Tourism development. The expansion of shared-bike schemes can make a positive contribution to sustainable transport and mobility, particularly within the Galway Metropolitan Area, Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES 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 Galway Metropolitan Area, 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, included the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the NTA Cycle Manual. (c) Development of a network of Greenways.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 226 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- VIEW PDF AT: ! https://www.nwra.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2020/05/abta-advice-note.pdf ENABLING PLANS – LOCAL TRANSPORT PLANS (LTP) Local Transport Plans (LTP) will be prepared for the Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns, based on the Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) guidance produced by NTA and TII. It will support the National Planning Framework objective of compact smart growth and sustainable mobility. LTPs will be based on a clear set of objectives and will include the transport priorities for each settlement in terms of public transport infrastructure and services; cycle investment; improvements to the pedestrian environment; and road enhancements. The priorities shall be informed by the scale and function of settlements and designed accordingly. THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT IN ENABLING ACCESS FOR ALL The planning process allows facilitation and delivery of a more socially inclusive society through better design, greater integration and accessibility across all societal needs and disabilities. Transport is one of several key policy areas through which social inclusion can be effectively addressed. Transport policies and transport investments will also be developed to assist the greatest number of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments in the shortest possible time with a particular focus on meeting the needs and opportunities of an ageing population. The LTPs shall: g Maximise the opportunities for the integration of land use and transport planning; g Assess the existing traffic, transport and movement conditions within the Plan area and in its wider context; g Plan for the efficient movement of people, goods and services within, to and from the Plan area; g Identify the extent to which estimated transport demand associated with local development objectives can be supported and managed based on existing transport assets; and g Identify the transport interventions required within the Plan area and in the wider context, to effectively accommodate the anticipated increase in demand. The Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) guidance note, which was prepared jointly by the NTA and TII sets out a step by step methodology for the assessment and development of local transport policy and interventions. The ABTA process can be used to assess transport requirements at different spatial levels, including the development of Local Transport Plans and it is available on the NTA and TII website:Northern & Western Regional Assembly 227 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 6.27 (a) The Assembly supports the collaborative preparation of Local Transport Plans led by local authorities in conjunction with the NTA and other stakeholders, based on Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) guidance and alignment with environmental policy, for Athlone, Letterkenny, Sligo Town, Cavan Town, Monaghan Town, Castlebar, Roscommon Town, Ballinasloe, Carrickon Shannon, Donegal Town, Tuam, Ballina and other areas as may be determined. The LTP will inform the urban area plans, development plans, local area plans and other planning framework documents. (b) Local Transport Plans (LTP) will represent the lowest tier of the NPF’s framework for the integration of land use and transport planning and the achievement of the NPF’s objective of ‘compact smart growth’. They will be subject to further transportation and environmental assessment at local level as appropriate based on guidance available and alignment with environmental policy. (c) LTPs will be based on a clear set of objectives and the most recent demographic and travel information taking into account the policies and objectives of the local authorities, insofar as they align with those of National and Regional Policy. (d) Local Link Offices (Transport Coordination Units) will be consulted in the development of LTPs. RPO 6.28 Policies, objectives and measures which emerge from Local Transport Plans shall be incorporated into Development Plans, Local Area Plans, Strategic Development Zone Planning Schemes. Urban Area Plans and other relevant planning framework documents. RPO 6.29 The management of space in town and village centres should deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking, cycling and public transport modes to create accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe, places to work, live, shop and engage in community life. RPO 6.30 Planning at the local level should promote walking, cycling and public transport by maximising the number of people living within walking and cycling distance of their neighbourhood or district centres, public transport services and other services at the local level such as schools. RPO 6.31 New development areas should be permeable for walking and cycling and the retrospective implementation of walking and cycling facilities should be undertaken where practicable in existing neighbourhoods, to give a competitive advantage to these modes. Prioritisation should be given to schools and areas of high employment density. RPO 6.32 Invest in transport networks and services in the region that are socially inclusive and provide a quality of service, connectivity and facilities to meet all societal needs, disabilities (including mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments) and meet the needs and opportunities of an ageing population.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 228 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) It is acknowledged that electric vehicles have a shorter range than comparable petrol/diesel vehicles at present. Currently, the electric vehicle charge infrastructure in some urban areas may be sufficient to satisfy existing demand but this is not the experience in many parts of the region and the lack of charging infrastructure can be seen as a major barrier to greater use of electric vehicles. As the number of electric vehicles is projected to grow very quickly in line with experience in other European urban areas, the need to plan for the future demand is key to this strategy. Whilst there is a need for charging infrastructure which is accessible to the public, overnight recharging at home and in the workplace should be provided for. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES 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. 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.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 229 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
- 6.4 Digital Infrastructure – Delivering a Smart Region To achieve the ambitions of our region requires a strong and prosperous regional economy that embraces the overwhelming digital trends underway globally. We cannot fully realise any of our ambitions without integrating innovative digital technology into our way of life. To make these new technologies work better for all, our RSES will need to ensure that policies and systems are in place that can help people transition to a world much more digitally connected. This has significant economic and spatial implications and if not considered strategically could exacerbate current challenges particularly in the more rural areas of the region. The concept of Smart Region is an extension and the next phase in the development of a Smart City model, which recognises that, for the region to achieve our smart potential future, we need to consider the opportunities, benefits and challenges that smart technologies can offer beyond the traditional applications in a mostly urban context. A Smart Region is a large area, of mixed urban and non-urban use, where smart technologies have been deployed to benefit the economic growth, quality of life and wellbeing of citizens in the territory. Due to the geography and connectivity within the northern and western region, it is imperative to enable a wholesale smart strategy for all and to take innovations beyond the urban areas, facilitate larger distribution of knowledge and innovation, and cater for the digital enhancement of our communities. A failure to implement a Smart Strategy will exacerbate digital inequality and increase exclusivity investment in innovation, infrastructure and networks is a key enabler to achieve all Ambitions in our Growth Framework. In general terms, the aim of this Growth Ambition is to produce a high-tech intensive and advanced approach that connects people, information, governance and policies using new and existing technologies to create an efficient, clean, sustainable, eco-friendly, competitive and innovative region with an enhanced quality of life. Focusing not just on intra-connectivity but urban-rural and encouraging policy alignment that enables it.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 230 6 Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity - Connected Region
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