Development plan · Westmeath County Council
Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Westmeath County Council · 2021–2027 · 634 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 10 Transport, Infrastructure & Energy
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 289 Table of Contents 10.1 Aim....................................................................................................................................... 290 10.2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 290 10.3 Legislative and Transport Policy Context ............................................................................ 291 10.4 Sustainable Transport.......................................................................................................... 297 10.5 Road Infrastructure ............................................................................................................. 305 10.6 Mobility Management Plans ............................................................................................... 311 10.7 Car Parking........................................................................................................................... 312 10.8 Bicycle Parking Facilities ...................................................................................................... 313 10.9 Water Infrastructure and Irish Water.................................................................................. 314 10.10 Water Supply and Distribution ............................................................................................ 315 10.12 Water Quality and Groundwater......................................................................................... 318 10.13 Foul Drainage and Wastewater Treatment ......................................................................... 321 10.14 Flood Risk............................................................................................................................. 324 10.15 Flooding Policy Context ....................................................................................................... 325 10.16 Storm Water Management ................................................................................................. 328 10.17 Waste Management ............................................................................................................ 330 10.18 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 333 10.19 Noise Pollution .................................................................................................................... 334 10.20 Light Pollution ...................................................................................................................... 335 10.21 Major Accidents – Seveso Sites ........................................................................................... 336 10.22 Renewable Energy Sources ................................................................................................. 337 10.23 Wind Energy ........................................................................................................................ 339 10.24 Solar Energy ......................................................................................................................... 342 10.25 Geothermal.......................................................................................................................... 343 10.26 Bio-Energy............................................................................................................................ 344 10.27 Hydro ................................................................................................................................... 345 10.28 Sustainable Building and Design.......................................................................................... 346 10.29 Non-Renewable Energy ....................................................................................................... 348 10.30 Information Communications and Technology ................................................................... 351
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 290 10.1 Aim To achieve a sustainable, integrated and low carbon transport system with excellent connectivity within and to Westmeath by enhancing existing strategic transportation infrastructure in the County. To provide, improve and extend water, wastewater, surface water and flood alleviation services throughout the county and to prioritise the provision of water services infrastructure, to achieve improved environmental protection and to protect public health. To provide for the development of indigenous energy resources, with an emphasis on renewable energy supplies. 10.2 Introduction The continued delivery and maintenance of a well-functioning multi-modal transport network is essential to delivering the County’s economic competitiveness, improved quality of life and better social cohesion. It is further noted that accessibility and mobility for all sections of the community is vital for the future development of the County and therefore the development of an integrated transport policy is of the utmost importance. The Council acknowledges the importance of the existing road network in Westmeath and fully appreciates the need to maximise benefits from the M4/N4 and M6. It is therefore Council policy to optimise the use of existing and future transport provision. Notwithstanding this, there is a growing realisation that the transport sector is a contributory factor in the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring transport infrastructure and services will be able to withstand the likely future impacts of climate change is a big challenge for this Plan. Census 2016 indicates that Westmeath has one of the highest rates of car reliance in the country with 72.9% of commuters travelling to work by car, compared to 65.6% nationally, with just 3.5% availing of public transport compared to a national average of 9.3%. It is therefore a policy of this plan to improve this pattern as a means of positively impacting on people’s quality of life and the environment. To encourage a modal 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. Furthermore, this plan supports and encourages sustainable and compact forms of development, which, if realised, will reduce car dependency and lower carbon emissions.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 291 10.3 Legislative and Transport Policy Context There are a number of National and Regional Policies and Plans which provide a context for the Council’s transportation strategy and policies as follows: 10.3.1 The National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040 The NPF is based on ten strategic outcomes, one of which is sustainable mobility. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on electrification of public transport fleets and use of electric vehicles in order to improve the environmental quality of our towns. The transition to more sustainable modes of travel (walking, cycling, public transport) is promoted, particularly within smaller towns and villages and rural areas. This Plan also supports the implementation of planning and transportation strategies for urban areas, with a major focus on improving walking and cycling routes, including continuous greenway networks and targeted measures to enhance permeability and connectivity. 10.3.2 Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 The RSES supports transition from the private car to alternatives and promotes greater efficiency in the use of our transport networks, which have informed the policy of this Plan, for example; • Encouraging transition towards sustainable and low carbon transport modes through the promotion of alternative modes of transport and ‘walkable communities’; • Support for transport plans for Athlone and Mullingar; • Support for the delivery of the rail projects including an appropriate level of commuter rail service in the Midlands; • Support for the delivery of bus projects and the Local Link Rural Transport Programme; • Support for the appraisal and or delivery of road projects e.g. M4 Mullingar to Longford (and Sligo) and N52 Kilbeggan to Tullamore; • Promotion of the development of sustainable greenway, blueway and peatway networks; • Encouraging an increase in electric vehicles; • Promotion of mobility management and travel plans to bring about behaviour change and more sustainable transport use; • Support the delivery of the National Broadband Plan; • Facilitate enhanced international fibre communications links; • Facilitate a high-quality ICT network throughout the Region; • Promotion of Ireland as a sustainable international destination for ICT infrastructures such as data centres and associated economic activities at appropriate locations.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 292 10.3.3 National Development Plan 2018-2027 The ‘National Development Plan 2018 - 2027’ (NDP) sets out the investment priorities that will underpin the implementation of the National Planning Framework, through a total investment of approximately €116 billion over a ten years period. ‘Project Ireland 2040’ is the government’s longterm overarching strategy, which outlines investment in public infrastructure in Ireland. A fundamental underlying objective of the National Development Plan is to focus on continued investment in public infrastructure. 10.3.4 Climate Action Plan 2019 This Plan sets out the Government’s plan of action in relation to combatting Climate Change and its impacts. It sets out governance arrangements including carbon-proofing our policies, establishment of carbon budgets and a strengthened Climate Change Advisory Council. A central component of the plan is the Government’s commitment to undertake the following: • 70% of the Country’s electricity needs will come from renewable sources by 2030. • Accelerate the take up of EV cars and vans so that we reach 100% of all new cars and vans are EVs by 2030. This will enable achieving our target of 950,000 EVs on the road by 2030. • This means approximately one third of all vehicles sold during the decade will be Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). • Make growth less transport intensive through better planning, remote and home-working and modal shift to public transport. • Increase the renewable biofuel content of motor fuels. • Set targets for the conversion of public transport fleets to zero carbon alternatives. 10.3.5 Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future - A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 (Department of Transport, 2009) This document, which is currently under review by the Department of Transport, sets out how the vision for a sustainable travel and transport system can be achieved. A new Sustainable Mobility Policy, which will be closely aligned with the national strategic outcomes of ‘Project Ireland 2040’, will be developed over the course of 2020. 10.3.6 Spatial Planning and National Roads - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 These Guidelines (DoEHLG, 2012) set out planning policy considerations relating to development affecting National Primary and Secondary roads, including motorways and associated junctions, outside the 50-60 km/h speed limit zones for 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, thereby facilitating continued economic growth, while encouraging a shift towards more sustainable travel and transport in accordance with the Smarter Travel policy document.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 293 10.3.7 Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets The current Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport sets out design standards for urban roads and streets which balance the “place function” (i.e. the needs of residents and visitors) with the “transport function” (i.e. the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, cars and goods vehicles). The Manual sets out design guidance and standards for constructing new and reconfiguring existing urban roads and streets in Ireland, incorporating good planning and design practice and focus on the public realm. It also outlines practical design measures to encourage more sustainable travel patterns in urban areas. 10.3.8 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, 2018 The objective of this Strategy prepared by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is to assist in the strategic development of nationally and regionally significant Greenways in appropriate locations constructed to an appropriate standard in order to deliver a quality experience for all Greenways users. It also aims to increase the number and geographical spread of Greenways of scale and quality around the country over the next 10 years resulting in a significant increase in the number of people using Greenways as a visitor experience and as a recreational amenity. 10.3.9 Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022 The National Transport Authority (NTA) provides 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 services provided under the programme are therefore intended to fulfil a primarily social function, in meeting the needs of communities in towns, villages and rural areas. 10.3.10 National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland: ‘The National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017-2030’ was published in May 2017. It sets out the ambition that all new cars and vans sold in Ireland from 2030 will be zero emission (or zero emission-capable). A range of policy measures aimed at supporting the transition to low emission vehicles are set out in the ‘National Policy Framework’. Furthermore, the ‘National Mitigation Plan’ published in July 2017 reiterates this ambition and includes supporting actions towards this objective. 10.3.11 Westmeath Integrated Transport Initiative This initiative seeks to improve local transport services and reduce costs by sharing resources and, where necessary, establishing new transport routes to meet the needs of communities and organisations. An online spatial application was developed by the Council showing the transportation
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 294 routes of the various rural transportation providers as well as pickup points and links to the providers’ websites. 10.3.12 Integration of Land Use Planning and Transportation The integration of land use and transportation is a fundamental principle of the national policy document Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future, 2009 - 2020 which will inform policies and objectives in this Plan. By shaping the pattern of development and influencing the location, scale, density, design and mix of land-uses, the integration of land-use and transportation can help reduce the need to travel and facilitate sustainable urban development. Transport Infrastructure and Energy– Transport Policies It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 10.1 Promote and deliver a sustainable, integrated and low carbon transport system with ease of movement throughout County Westmeath by enhancing the existing transport infrastructure in terms of road, bus, rail, cycling and pedestrian facilities. CPO 10.2 Support the development of a low carbon transport system by continuing to promote modal shift from private car use towards increased use of more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling, walking and public transport. CPO 10.3 Support the implementation of the following national and regional transport policies as they apply to Westmeath: - The National Planning Framework - The RSES for the Eastern and Midland Region - Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009 – 2020 - Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) - Spatial Planning and National Roads - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 - National Cycling Policy Framework and National Cycle Manual - Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, 2018. - Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 - 2022. The Council also supports the implementation of sustainable transport solutions. CPO 10.4 Seek to 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.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 295 The 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 Westmeath, 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. Furthermore, allowing higher density development to occur along public transport corridors increases the number of people within the walking catchment of the public transport service, which in turn increases the patronage of the service, and leads to an increase in its financial and economic viability and in turn a positive environmental impact. Land Use and Transportation Strategies also play a vital role in supporting better coordination and integration of development planning. It is Council policy to prepare an Area Based Transport Plan for Athlone in conjunction with Roscommon County Council, in order to realise its role as a Regional Centre. An Area based Transport Plan will also be prepared for Mullingar to support its role as a Key town. Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Policy Objectives - Integration of Land Use Planning and Transportation Policy It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 10.5 Encourage transition towards sustainable and low carbon transport modes, through the promotion of alternative modes of transport, and ‘walkable communities’ together with promotion of compact urban forms close to public transport corridors to encourage more sustainable patterns of movement. CPO 10.6 Support the enhancement of the County’s existing transport infrastructure in order to ensure its optimal use and seek to undertake appropriate traffic management measures to reduce congestion and minimise travel times. CPO 10.7 Integrate the County’s transport and tourism strategies to promote increasingly sustainable travel patterns and improved linkages between Athlone, Mullingar and other towns and villages. CPO 10.8 Prepare in conjunction with Roscommon County Council and relevant agencies, an Area Based Transport Plan for Athlone to facilitate the growth of Athlone as a regional economic driver. CPO 10.9 Prepare an Area based Transport Plan for Mullingar in conjunction with relevant agencies to support the growth of Mullingar as a Key Town.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 296 CPO 10.10 Support the National Smarter Travel policy and make central tenets of its transport strategy: Killucan Station, a regular bus services to Westmeath towns and villages and the re-opening of light rail on the old Mullingar to Athlone Rail line.
- TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY 10 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 297 10.4 Sustainable Transport 10.4.1 Walking and Cycling Walking and cycling are the most sustainable modes of transport and are key components to movement and accessibility in urban and inter-urban areas. Benefits accruing for both the environment and population, include reducing air and noise pollution and traffic congestion as well as contributing to healthy and more active lifestyles. Encouraging and promoting walking and cycling as a sustainable mode of transport and moving away from reliance on the private car will depend on providing well connected and integrated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Pedestrian and cycle facilities will be most successful where they form a coherent network, place an emphasis on safety, directly serve the main areas where people wish to travel, provide priority over vehicular traffic at junctions, are free from obstructions and have adequate public lighting where considered appropriate.
Source Westmeath County Council: Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.