Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5

1. Page 11

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028146 Figure 5.2 Green Modes of Travel Table 5. 3 Green Modes of Travel Location Count % Waterford County 10,487 14.6% Waterford City and Environs 6,063 20.9% Waterford MASP 6,723 18.4% Waterford Metro MD 7,382 17.8% Dungarvan-Lismore MD 2,402 12.3% Comeragh MD 703 6.4% Across the settlement hierarchy there is a lot of variation with rates ranging from 1.7% (Kilmeaden) to 28.3% (Lismore). Of all the settlements detailed in the hierarchy graphic (18), six settlements have more than 20% of the total population travelling to work/ education using Green modes: Lismore (28.3%), Tallow (26.1%), Kill (24.2%), Dungarvan/Ballinroad (22.2%), Ardmore (20.9%) and Waterford City and Suburbs (20.1%). Figure 5.3 details the Public Transport Mode usage at the Small Area Level across Waterford.

2. Page 12

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028147 A key aim of Smarter Travel is to ensure that walking and cycling become the mode of choice for local trips. This not only supports active health initiatives and healthy communities, but also encourages the transition to sustainable modes of travel. Where pedestrian and cycle networks are being designed and delivered the following four core principles of DMURS should be clearly demonstrated: • connected networks. • multifunctional streets. • a pedestrian focus; and, • a multi -disciplinary approach. Active Transport: Cycling and Walking Strategic Policy Enhance the public realm, and develop active, walkable streets, permeable neighbourhoods and places to create attractive, safe and accessible environments for all ages and abilities. Support initiatives and develop new green and blue links between population, employment and education centres which promote active transport modes.

3. Page 13

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028148 Active Transport: Cycling and Walking Policy Objective Trans 07 Supporting Active Travel We will promote walking and cycling as efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transport by delivering a comprehensive network of safe walking and cycling routes, and investigate the potential for quiet routes which will be a high quality, fully connected and inclusive, across the Waterford City and County with associated placemaking, green infrastructure corridors and public realm improvements in accordance with best accessibility practice and promotion of the initiatives contained within Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009 – 2020 or any update thereof. All proposals shall ensure no adverse impacts on ecological integrity including the Natura 2000 Network. Trans 08 Priority Routes In order to develop a network of safe walking and cycling routes, we will put in place priority footways and cycleways on rural roads, when the opportunity arises and sufficient road width and route options exists so as to provide for improved pedestrian access to and from villages/towns and public transport and to counteract rural isolation. Trans 09 Connectivity and Permeability Ensure that all developments can provide full connectivity/permeability to the adjacent road network (pedestrian, cycle and vehicular) and/or to adjacent lands which are zoned for development and lands which may be zoned for development in the future. Access should be also provided to adjoining amenities such as Greenways, Walkways and other recreational areas and have regard to ‘Ireland’s Government Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030. Trans 10 Route Networks We will continue to develop an integrated network of greenways/ blueways and green/ blue routes within Waterford and linking to adjoining counties. All proposals shall ensure no adverse impacts on ecological integrity including the Natura 2000 Network. Trans 11 Cycling Plan We will prepare a city and county cycling plan which will outline how cycling for transport and recreation will be increased and how the cycle network will be developed and implemented. Trans 12 Bike Rental We will support the provision of bike and other rental schemes (pedal and e-bike) as well as the use of cargo delivery in Waterford City and other urban centres across the County. Trans 13 Support Facilities We will support the provision of accessible public amenities such as, showers, bike racks, safe cycle parking and bike storage to enable and promote walking, cycling and other forms of mobility in new and existing developments.

4. Page 14

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028149 5.6 Public Transport The provision of good quality public transport infrastructure and associated services has the potential to provide the capacity needed to move large volumes of people who travel to work, education, shops and leisure facilities around the City, County and beyond each day.The total population travelling to work/ The The total population travelling to work/ education using Public Transport modes is 4,600 and accounts for 6.4% of the population within the county - this is approximately half the State average (12.9%) and the lowest mode rate in the State. Figure 5.3 Public Transport Modes

5. Page 15

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028150 Table 5. 4 Public Transport Modes Location Count % Waterford County 4,600 6.4% Waterford City and Environs 1,301 4.5% Waterford MASP 1,676 4.6% Waterford Metro MD 2,032 4.9% Dungarvan-Lismore MD 1,570 8.1% Comeragh MD 998 9.1%

6. Page 16

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028151 Waterford City and Environs recorded a rate of 4.5% (1,301) and is well below the rate in all other cities: Dublin (21.2%), Cork (9.25), Limerick (7.32) and Galway (9.7%). Across the settlement hierarchy there is a lot of variation with rates ranging from 1.2% (An Rinn) to 15% (Cheekpoint) - although numbers are very low. The map on the opposite page details the distribution at the SA level across Waterford. Highest rates are certainly evident in areas outside the MASP area and in the west of the county. Within Waterford City rates are very low with only a small number of urban SAs with rates >20% modal share. The availability of public rural transport, such as Local Link Waterford3, plays an important role in overcoming social isolation, particularly in rural areas, and can act as a catalyst in creating models of partnership, where key sectors actively engage in transport provision, to ensure equality of access for all. We acknowledge the importance of high-quality public transport services and will support and facilitate the roll out of new and expanded networks and associated infrastructure in order to make public transport a more attractive mode of travel. Under the National Development Plan investment in public transport infrastructure will be accelerated to support the development of an integrated and sustainable national public transport system consistent with the NPF NSOs of Sustainable Mobility and Compact Growth. A number of sustainable transport projects will be delivered during the life of the Development Plan to support a move to use of public transport. These include: • Continued investment in bus and train fleets and required infrastructure. • Delivery of the BusConnects programme for Waterford City, inclusive bus corridors, new bus stops and bus shelters. • Transition to low emission buses, including electric buses. • Delivery of a comprehensive cycling and walking network for Waterford; and, • Supporting programmes of rail and bus station improvement/development, traffic management investment, passenger information programmes, public bicycle share schemes, accessibility enhancements. 3 https://www.locallinkwaterford.ie/

7. Page 17

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028152 Table 5.5 Transport Mode Bus • Bus services are the backbone of the regional and metropolitan public transport system and investment will be focused on improving connectivity between Waterford and Regional settlements and enhancing the reliability and the level of service within key settlements. Integrating transport solutions between rail, regional/ metropolitan bus, and active travel will also be supported. • The NTA provides rural transport through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme which aims to address rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. Within the Waterford MASP, continued investment in bus infrastructure and services is a priority for sustainable mobility. This includes the BusConnects programme for Waterford City, inclusive of bus corridors, additional capacity and passenger facilities. WMATS will further address strengthening bus networks and services. Rail Rail is a valuable national asset which contributes directly to: • Enhanced mobility and reduced traffic congestion. • Regional / national economic & tourism development. • Reducing carbon emissions and achieving national climate change targets. The RSES has the objective to strengthen investment in the maintenance, improvement and strengthening of the rail network, which includes increased frequency of services and reduced journey times between Waterford, and Dublin. It also includes improvements to the Rosslare- Waterford-Limerick Junction line. The RSES recognises that strategic importance of the Rosslare-Waterford Line and its importance to the region. Freight The current absence of State funding, capital or subvention, dictates a commercial focus for rail freight which limits its role to niche markets. However, RSES Regional Freight Strategy (RPO 141) includes the consideration of rail freight and highlights the asset of our Region’s rail network and innovations in the freight handling and transport sector potential for electrification, lower carbon fuels and technology to be prepared by the relevant stakeholders. Experience in other European jurisdictions clearly shows the contribution of rail freight to improved carbon footprint, reduced road congestion and lower carbon emissions. There is potential to develop rail freight, such as utilising the Waterford Port and Rosslare Europort rail link for rail freight logistics. Taxi and Hackney Services Taxi and Hackney services are an essential part of the transport network for the City and County. They are often the only means of public transport available for people who live in remote locations, use wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. Park and Ride / Park and Stride Park and Ride provision can further contribute to modal shift. The development of Park and Ride facilities on the periphery of the Waterford city, possible locations in Dungarvan and Tramore will reduce the amount of commuter traffic entering into the city and therefore contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion. Car Sharing/ Carpooling Car pooling can help reduce fossil-fuel based emissions and traffic congestion, and car sharing can reduce transport costs for households and reduce the need for parking.

8. Page 18

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028153 General Public Transportation Policy Objective Trans 14 To support and co-operate with public and private transport operators in the provision of an effective, accessible, attractive and sustainable transport service and in the development of key infrastructural requirements such as bus lay-byes and set-down locations in appropriate urban and rural locations, turning areas for buses in larger housing estates which: • Strive for universal accessibility for pedestrians. • Provide adequate, safe and convenient access; and, • Reduce the dependence on the private motor car. The Accessibility Programme of Iarnród Éireann, which provides for the upgrade of rail stations in terms of accessibility is anticipated to deliver improvements for persons with reduced mobility in the rail network. Trans 15 We will support the development and rollout of a Citywide public transport system, which will enhance accessibility to the City Centre and key destination such as SETU & Waterford University Hospital, from within the City/Environs area, and nearby towns; and improve cross-city connectivity north and south of the River Suir. Trans 16 We will require appropriate public and active modes of transport infrastructure be incorporated as part of any significant residential, educational, community or commercial development proposal. The extent of infrastructure required will depend on the nature, scale and location of the proposal and the current level of infrastructure and frequency of the public transport service. We will also seek to ensure such proposals make provision for appropriate, well-designed permeable walking and cycling links to other residential developments, amenities and facilities in pursuit of the 10-minute neighbourhood concept. Trans 17 Support sustainable travel in the tourism sector by the promotion of public transport use and by integrating transport plans and tourism strategies to promote increasingly sustainable travel patterns among visitors. Trans 18 We will continue to improve access via sustainable transport modes to significant employment and education destinations through the direct provision of public provided and developer provided infrastructure and through demand management measures. Trans 19 We will continue to support and facilitate the provision of public transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of smaller towns, villages and rural areas across Waterford County in collaboration with the NTA, TII and Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS). Bus Transportation Policy Objective Trans 20 We will continue to co-operate with the NTA, TFI and other relevant agencies to support the operation and enhancement of existing bus network, and extension of the network to other areas where appropriate. Trans 21 We will support the NTA and Local Link Rural Transport Programme to provide a quality countywide community based public transport system and associated infrastructure across Waterford city and county which responds to local needs in providing for social and economic connectivity between small villages/rural areas and larger towns.

9. Page 19

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028154 L O C A L L I N K WAT E R F O R D . I E FROM TALLOW TO DUNGARVAN VIA LISMORE383383 S T E P T H R O U G H H I S T O R Y Rail Transportation Policy Objective Trans 22 We will support the optimal use of the rail network, in catering for the movement of people and goods and thereby enhance the economic corridor between Waterford City and Dublin, Key towns of Kilkenny, Carlow, Clonmel and Wexford Town as well as commuter towns such as Carrick On Suir and New Ross. Trans 23 Support the retention of the Waterford -Rosslare and the New Ross Rail lines for future freight and passenger rail connectivity between Waterford City, Waterford Port (Belview), Wexford Town, Rosslare Town and Europort. Taxi and Hackney Services Transportation Policy Objective Trans 24 We will continue to provide adequate ranks at various locations throughout the city and other urban settlements in consultation with the taxi operators and other stakeholders. All ranks will be designed so as to be universally accessible and thereby provide for the needs of mobility impaired. Park and Ride / Park and Stride Transportation Policy Objective Trans 25 We will investigate the potential of providing a number of ‘Park and Ride’ and ‘Park and Stride’ facilities in appropriate locations in conjunction with the provision of public transport across Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore subject to environmental assessment of identified locations. Car Sharing/Carpooling Transportation Policy Objective Trans 26 Working in collaboration with transport stakeholders, significant trip destinations and employers, we will promote, support and facilitate car pooling and car sharing in Waterford City and County.

10. Page 20

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    WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028155 5.7 Airport, Port, Harbours and Piers Waterford Airport and Port of Waterford play a vital role providing our region with international connectivity. The RSES recognises that investment in port and airport infrastructure is required to boost connectivity for the entire regional and act as key enablers/priorities which will assist in the transformation of Waterford into a Regional City of Scale. It is also worth noting that with the impact of BREXIT on our economy, our gateways to the world are key to safeguarding our resilience and ability to adapt to change. Consolidating our port and airport will be contingent on the development and improvement of road and rail infrastructure and public transport services for the movement of people and goods in line with priorities defined through National Ports Policy and National Aviation Policy. A Masterplan for the Airport and adjoining business park is set out in Appendix 12. Our harbours and piers play a vital role in commercial fishing, fish processing, aquaculture and related activities in the County. In recognition of the socio-economic contribution of Dunmore East, Heilbhic and the other harbours, piers and slips throughout the County, the Council, in conjunction with the relevant Government Departments, supports and encourages the future maintenance, dredging and improvement of harbours and piers and potential operation and maintenance role these piers and harbours could play in supporting off-shore wind developments. Such works must take place in the context of the Council’s commitment to the protection of wildlife and sensitive habitats and avoid adverse impacts on land/seascapes.

Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5 (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.