Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

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   Windgate Belvedere Hall ES House Rathdown PADDOCK (in Ruins ) Belmont House KILRUDDERY DEERPARK LRUDDERY DEERPARK 38Kv Spring TEMPLECARRIG LOWER Pond Pond BELMONT DEMESNE 38kv Pond COOLNASKEAGH PLECARRIG UPPER Pond Wicklow County Council Planning Department Scale 1:7,500 @A4 Legend Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complex Zoning for Integrated Tourism/Leisure/ Recreational Complex Belmont Demesne, Greystones Map No. 11.04 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028

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   10kv 10kv Jack White's Cross Roads Wicklow County Council Planning Department Scale 1:2,500 @A4 Legend Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complex Zoning for Integrated Tourism/Leisure/ Recreational Complex Jack Whites, Ballinapark, Brittas Bay Map No. 11.05 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation CHAPTER 12 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION 12.0 Introduction Integrating land use planning with transportation is key to addressing climate change, supporting economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for those who live in County Wicklow. Reducing the need to travel, especially long distances, by private car, and increasing the use of sustainable and healthy travel alternatives, can bring multiple benefits to our climate, local environment and communities. The Council will continue to provide for all components of the transportation system which are within its own remit and will support and facilitate the development of those other elements provided by external agencies, such as the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). In addition the strategy and objectives of this plan are required to be consistent with the transport strategy of the NTA1, as well as the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). It is the aim of this plan to craft land use policies to produce settlements of such form and layout that facilitates and encourages sustainable forms of movement and transport, prioritising active travel modes of walking and cycling, and for larger settlements, public transport. In particular, the achievement of the following goals shall be at the core of all aspects of the transportation objectives of this plan:  Facilitating modal shift2 to more sustainable transport options by: - Support of investment programmes and any associated infrastructure development that deliver improvements to public transport infrastructure and services, in particular the upgrading of the Dublin – Rosslare train line, improved DART Services, bringing the Luas or other mass transit to Bray and Fassaroe and the development of improved bus services in all parts of the County; - Promotion of development patterns that facilitate the delivery of local public transport links within towns (including feeder buses to train / Luas stations and other transport interchanges) between towns and in rural areas; - Promoting development of ‘Park and Ride’ facilities, particularly for access to public transport but also to encourage carpooling and discourage single occupancy vehicles; - Delivering improvements to the pedestrian environment and promoting walking as a mode of transport through the provision of new, and improvement of existing, walking facilities throughout the County; - Delivering improvements to cycling facilities and promoting cycling as a mode of transport through the provision of new, and improvement of existing, cycling facilities throughout the County; - Working with the NTA on the implementation of local projects which support pedestrian and cyclist permeability, safety and access to schools and public transport.  Supporting the transition from existing fossil fuel vehicles to clean renewable vehicles, support and facilitate the transition to electric vehicle (EV) use, including measures for more recharging facilities and prioritise EV parking in central locations.  More effectively managing vehicular traffic and car parking in town and village centres to make public transport, walking and cycling more attractive option for availing of town / village centre services.  Facilitating the improvement of the existing road network, to enhance safety for all users, and to remove bottlenecks and hazards. 1 At the time of preparation of this plan this was the ‘Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2016-2035’ (a review / updating of which commenced late 2020) and the ‘Integrated Implementation Plan 2019-2024’. 2 Compared to current modal spilt, as shown on Table 12.01 to follow.275

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation  Improving east – west linkages in the County, as well as linkages between the west and south of the County to other counties.  Ensuring that vehicular and pedestrian environments can be used by all people, regardless of their age, size, disability or ability. Table 12.01 2011 and 2016 Modal Spilt Modal Split (trips to work and school) Active Public Transport Private vehicles 2011 2016 2011 2016 2011 2016 Bray 21% 20% 21% 21% 58% 57% Wicklow-Rathnew 18% 15% 8% 10% 74% 75% Greystones-Delgany 10% 11% 22% 22% 68% 67% Arklow 22% 24% 5% 5% 72% 71% Blessington 19% 19% 9% 10% 72% 71% Baltinglass 28% 34% 4% 4% 68% 62% Enniskerry 6% 5% 18% 17% 76% 78% Kilcoole 17% 17% 15% 16% 68% 67% Newtown 12% 10% 17% 18% 71% 72% Rathdrum 22% 24% 7% 6% 72% 70% Source: CSO With reference to the National, Regional and County Objectives set out in Chapter 2 of this plan, delivery of more sustainable transportations options in the County will contribute to numerous goals across the three pillars of ‘sustainable healthy communities’, ‘climate action’ and ‘economic opportunity’ by: - Enhancing the built environment by fostering more sustainable and compact development patterns, reducing car and car parking dominance, and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists; - Improving access for all to employment, services and amenities, such as education, healthcare, shops, parks, leisure and social interactions; - Improved health and wellbeing via increased opportunities for walking and cycling; - Reduction in the need to use motorised vehicles, reduction in transport related emissions; - Development and increased usage of alternative vehicle fuel sources, such as electricity, hydrogen and biofuels. 12.1 Active Modes of Transport 12.1.1 Cycling & Walking Government policy, as set out in “Smarter Travel – A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020” and the “National Cycle Policy Framework 2009-2020”, clearly places an emphasis on walking and cycling as alternatives to vehicular transport. These strategies are supported by the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy (2016) and NTA Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan (2013), which identifies and sets out the desired Urban, Inter-Urban and Green Route Cycle Networks within the GDA. The NTA is finalising a ‘Five Year Implementation Plan for Sustainable Transport’ for each local authority (December 2020). A core element of this implementation plan will be Cycle Network Plan agreed between the NTA and each local authority.276

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation The provision of walking and cycling routes within towns and between towns forms an essential part of a connected transport system. Pedestrian and cycle routes should provide direct linkages to public transport, schools, local amenities and services. While it is acknowledged that these forms of movement may make up only a small part of a longer journey, they are the most environmentally and cost efficient form of transport for local journeys. There are a number of factors that will influence whether one will walk or cycle to a destination (rather than taking the car), including distance, weather, road safety, topography, coherence and directness of the route, bicycle parking facilities and the availability of car parking at the destination. A land-use plan such as this County Development Plan cannot influence all of these factors, but through the implementation of various objectives and standards, it is intended that facilities will be significantly improved, thereby promoting these forms of transport. 12.1.2 Park & Stride The purpose of a “Park and Stride” facility is to encourage car commuters to transfer to a healthy and ecologically sound mode of transport, i.e. walking, for the final element of their journey, thus reducing car journeys and easing congestion. It is an active and sustainable mode of transport. Park and Stride works well with those who commute to school, where the children can walk to school safely from a designated car park / set down area that is of an appropriate distance from the school with high quality pedestrian links. 12.2 Sustainable Modes of Transport 12.2.1 Public Transport The key to getting people out of their cars and into public transport is to have a reliable, convenient, affordable and fast service available, that brings people to the places they want to go, and in the case of Wicklow, this will primarily mean the main centres of employment and retail in Wicklow and Dublin, namely Dublin city centre, Sandyford and the M50 ring (pending the rebalancing of employment and retail opportunities into Wicklow). Wicklow is served by the following public transport modes: Bus services Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus and private operators licenced by the NTA Long distance coach services Local link bus services Rail Irish Rail operate services on the south-east corridor line from Dublin – Rosslare DART serving Bray and Greystones In the absence of frequent rail services to the south-east, most commuters resident on the eastern side of the County using public transport rely on bus and coach services. These services use the M11/N11 as the primary access road to the Dublin region. The well documented peak hour delays on this route cause significant delay to such public transport commuters. The NTA has committed to funding the provision of bus lanes on the M11/N11 from Junction 8 Kilmacanogue to Junction 4 (M50). The M11/N11 bus priority scheme has completed an initial Feasibility Study and is presently at early design stage. The objective of this scheme is to facilitate reliable journey times for bus and coach commuters using the M11/N11. As new employment opportunities develop in the County, particularly in the Key Towns and Self-Sustaining Growth towns of Bray, Greystones-Delgany, Wicklow Town - Rathnew, Arklow and Blessington the challenge will also be to make these towns more accessible by public transport. While Wicklow County Council is not itself a public transport provider, and cannot force providers to deliver services in any particular area, this County Development Plan can put in place the necessary policy framework to encourage and facilitate the improvement of public transport.277

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation 12.2.2 Park & Ride Facilities The purpose of a ‘Park and Ride’ facility is to encourage car commuters to drive or cycle to a specific location with a car and secure bicycle park close to a high quality public transport service and to transfer to public transport, thereby reducing congestion and promoting public transport. Park and Ride sites often use valuable land adjacent to high-capacity public transport stations/stops which might be better used to provide intensive development, and therefore careful consideration will be given to ensure optimal locations, at the edge of or just outside town centres, that are attractive to users and developed for such use. The NTA has established a dedicated Park and Ride design office. Wicklow County Council is working with the NTA to determine locations for park and ride facilities along primary routes such as the M11/N11. 12.2.3 Wicklow Rural Transport Initiative The Wicklow Rural Transport Initiative was launched in 2003, and since 2018 has been operating under the NTA’s Local Link Rural Transport programme. This service enables people living in rural areas to have access to a responsive travel system, contributing towards more sustainable rural communities. The initiative plays an important role in the daily lives of those living in rural areas by providing access to local shops, services and amenities available within urban centres and larger villages. Wicklow County Council recognises the success of this initiative to date and will encourage its future development. 12.3 Public Roads Wicklow County Council is responsible for the provision and maintenance of all non national roads and bridges within the County. Funding for improvements and maintenance is allocated yearly from the annual Council budget and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 12.3.1 National Roads The County of Wicklow is served by two national roads - the M11/N11 and the N81, both of which connect to the M50 motorway, providing access to and from the County. The national road network in the County provides an essential means of access to the metropolitan area. The capacity of these existing roads has come under increasing pressure from the ever-increasing number of commuters to Dublin. In the absence of frequent mainline train or other mass transport services, the M11/N11 and also the N81 serve as important public transport facilities with significant numbers using bus and coach services on these routes. Therefore their maintenance and improvement serves not only car and freight uses but also a significant number of public transport users. N11/M11 While the N11/M11 has undergone significant upgrading over the past number of years, works are still required in order to fully upgrade this national road. Wicklow County Council will continue to promote the upgrading of the N11/M11 to ensure:  access to the south east of the country is enhanced, to maintain access to international markets for freight and tourist traffic through Rosslare Euro-port and via the M50 through Dublin Port and Airport;  the requirements of existing development within the County is met;  the necessary population and employment growth for the County, as set out in the NPF and RSES will be accommodated, with particular respect to capacity and accessibility to/from the N11/M11;278

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation  the prioritisation of public transport services along the M11/N11 from Kilmacanogue to Loughlinstown by the provision of dedicated bus lanes;  action in relation to Climate Change by the provision of park and ride/carpooling facilities at specific junction locations along the N11/M11. Wicklow County Council will work closely with the various road agencies to achieve all necessary upgrading works, which should include, but not be confined to, the essential improvements to the N11/M11 set out in Objective CPO 12.35 to follow. N81 The N81 as a national secondary route, characterised by the TII National Road Design Office as having poor horizontal and vertical alignment. The route consists of a single lane carriageway without a hard strip or hard shoulder along sections of the road way. The road has limited over-taking capability. In addition, the N81 passes through the centre of a number of towns in Wicklow, most notably Blessington, creating a blockage to free flow of regional traffic as well serious damage to the quality of Blesssington town centre. In 2008 the National Roads Design Office began the process of assessing the possibility of upgrading this road network between Tallaght and Hollywood Cross incorporating a bypass of the town of Blessington. Stage 2 of this process has now been completed with a preferred route option being identified. The delivery of this project has not been identified as a strategic priority in the NPF or RSES and funding has not been allocated to same by the TII. However, this is considered a vital project for West Wicklow and its delivery will remain a key objective of this plan. In advance of the delivery of this route, but not in lieu of same, the completion of the Blessington Inner Relief Road will be a priority. This will not only relieve congestion in the town centre at peak hours and improve the public realm but also assist in addressing safety issues identified in recent studies. Wicklow County Council will work closely with the various road agencies to achieve all necessary upgrading works, which should include, but not be confined to, the essential improvements to the N81 set out in Objective CPO 12.36 to follow as well as Park and Ride facilities at specific junctions. Leinster Outer Orbital Route (LOOR) The RSES identifies a need to protect a ‘Leinster Outer Orbital Route’, the purpose of which would be to provide an alternative bypass of Dublin for national road traffic not wishing to access the Metropolitan Area and to provide a transport link between development centres in the Hinterland Area of the Greater Dublin Area, in a way which supports their sustainable, physical and economic development. The NTA’s Transport Strategy (2016) recognises the importance of the LOOR and although the route is not proposed for development during the Strategy period, the retention of a route corridor is recommended. In 2009, the National Roads Authority (TII) completed a draft study, which included the identification of possible route corridors. A corridor linking Drogheda to Navan to Naas is identified as the optimum route having regard to the objectives set out in the policy documents. While this study does not identify a link to Wicklow, it does recommend that further studies be carried out into this possibility. The linkage of Wicklow to this outer orbital network is considered critical to the future growth of the south of the County and in particular to the viability of future port activities in Arklow. It is therefore considered appropriate to identify possible route corridors for this link up in this Plan. 12.3.2 Regional Roads Regional roads play a key role in the future development of the County, by linking the principal towns and villages to each other, serving local traffic and providing access to the national road network within the County. Road links279

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation between the designated growth centres are particularly important to allow synergy to develop between towns and to develop the County as a self-sustaining economy. While linkages on each side of the County are reasonably good, the topography of the central mountains provides a major barrier to the development of road links between the east and west of the County. As it is an overarching aim of this County Development Plan to develop stronger linkages between the east and west, road improvements must be facilitated. However, any such improvements must be considered in light of the environmental sensitivities of the mountain area and the designations that apply. 12.3.3 Local Roads Local roads provide the principal circulation networks through the County, meeting the needs of local journeys and providing connections to higher order routes. Local roads are classified as primary, secondary and tertiary and all local roads in the control of the Local Authority have been classified and given a unique ID number. The ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets’ (March 2013) sets out the following street hierarchy and functions for roads within urban areas: Arterial Routes: These are the major routes via which major centres/nodes are connected. They may also include orbital or cross metropolitan routes within cites and larger towns. Link Streets: These provide the links to Arterial streets, or between Centres, Neighbourhoods, and/or Suburbs. Local Streets: These are the streets that provide access within communities and to Arterial and Link roads. Rural local roads serve an important function providing access to rural properties and agricultural lands within the countryside while also providing linkages to regional and local collector roads. 12.4 Parking Parking policy is an important element in an authority’s overall planning and transport policy. The level of car parking provided, its location, fee structure and enforcement levels can all have a considerable effect on car use and traffic flow patterns. The availability of convenient and affordable parking in an area can influence people’s decision on their mode of travel and has the potential to be a powerful travel demand management tool. An offstreet parking policy should recognise the role that the provision or otherwise of additional parking spaces can play in encouraging or discouraging travel by car. If demand management policies are being implemented then a reduction in the number of parking spaces may be desirable in congested urban areas with parking enforcement. Planning policy may seek to limit the number of parking spaces provided for in new developments. 12.5 Ports, Harbours, Marinas & Freight Transport The future development of the County’s ports places increased demands on the existing transport network, in particular the road network, with the potential for large freight transport. Wicklow Port is identified as a Port of Regional Significance in the RSES, with Arklow Port identified as a Regional Port. Both ports are important centres of economic activity and economic drivers for the Region. Wicklow Port is considered to have the highest potential for significant development / expansion in the short term given the high quality connections, both rail and road, that are available since the completion of the Wicklow Port Access Road. There is in addition significant potential for the development of Arklow’s port particularly as a service base for off shore wind energy; enhancing access to the Arklow Port area (both north and south quays) is a key priority.280

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation The existing / future marinas at Bray, Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow also give rise to traffic demands on the County’s roads, which is considered desirable to accommodate given the significant economic, tourism and recreational benefits accruing to the County from such developments. 12.6 Strategic Sites in Bray The RSES has identified Bray as a key town located in the Dublin Metropolitan Area and is included in the Metropolitan Area Spatial Plan of the RSES. In order for Bray to fulfil its growth potential, lands at Fassaroe to the west of the N/M11 are targeted for new housing, employment and major community and sports facilities, along with the delivery of new mixed-use development at the former Bray golf course and Bray harbour which will provide for consolidation within the established town. Bray has access to high quality public transport including DART services and is at the terminus of the proposed Luas Green Line extension, with excellent potential to promote sustainable mobility and achieve the vision of a ‘walkable’ community. The development of a new centre at Fassaroe is largely dependent on the delivery of transportation infrastructure including upgrades to the N/M11 and the delivery of high quality public transport connections into Bray. The former golf club and harbour lands are adjacent to the existing town centre and therefore have been earmarked for significant new retail, retail services, commercial, cultural and community, recreational areas and residential development. High quality linkages from the surrounding area and an enhanced public transport system servicing the former golf club lands are vital for the success of these sites.3 As set out in the Bray and Environs Transport Study (April 2019) the following transportation interventions are needed to support the development of these two strategic sites in Bray: Fassaroe The following are required to serve the full build-out of Fassaroe:  Fassaroe development roads;  N11 Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge;  N11/M11 Junction 4 to 14 Improvement Scheme  Delivery of Wicklow County Council Part 8 N11 capacity and safety upgrades, as approved;  Busway from Fassaroe to Old Connaught over County Brook at Ballyman Glen;  Traffic Management Measures at Fassaroe Interchange to protect strategic function of the N/M11;  Delivery of the Upper Dargle Road public transport priority measures schemes and the River Dargle Cycle Scheme; and  Commitment to the phased introduction of bus and enhanced rail services in line with increased demand. At a more detailed level, the development of Fassaroe may commence on a phased basis when certainty on the need for and delivery of the above is fully determined. Bray Golf Club & Harbour The following are required to serve the full build-out of Bray Golf Club and harbour lands:  Golf Club and harbour lands development roads;  Pedestrian and cycle links from the Golf Club and harbour to Bray Town Centre;  Dublin Road bus priority (part of Bray Core Bus Corridor);  Public transport, pedestrian and cycle bridge from the Golf Club Lands to Bray DART station for future use by Luas;  Development of interchange at Bray DART Station; and  Commitment to the phased introduction of bus and enhanced rail services in line with increased demand. 3 Refer to the Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan 2018 (and any subsequent Bray LAP) for the specific development objectives for both of these Strategic Sites.281

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    Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 12 | Sustainable Transportation 12.7 Roadside Signage 4 Signage serves three functions as set out below. This section covers signage on and adjacent to the public road but does not cover road traffic and directional signs erected by the Road Authority. Directional and information signage These are signs that provide the public with directions to a particular location, where destinations may be difficult to find, which may be a town or village, a specified business / service, sports club, public or voluntary service, etc, particularly at the latter stage of a journey. What differentiates these from advertising signs is that they are for the purpose of directing people to a place, club or service that they already know about, or a facility aimed at tourists, that they would be expected to be seeking. These are intended to complement, but not replace, pre-planning of the journey and the use of verbal instructions, maps and SatNavs/Eircodes. Examples of such destinations would typically, but not exhaustively, include railway stations, football clubs, theatres, schools / colleges, national and regional attractions. Advertising signage These are signs whose objective is to market a business, product or service. These can take many forms, ranging from billboards and posters, to pole mounted signs (including fingerpost signs). While the Council acknowledges the need for advertising and accepts that it is a necessary part of commercial life, it is also aware of its responsibility to protect the visual amenity in urban and rural areas and for the elimination of traffic hazards. A conglomeration of signs or a sign of inappropriate size can detract considerably from the character and visual amenity of a settlement, result in visual clutter and conflict with the interests of road safety. Identification signage These are signs to identify a business, service or premises, and are normally proximate to the premises/business/service. There are two distinctive ways in which consent can be applied for advertising or signposting structures. Firstly, planning permission is required for the erection of signs located on private property (except those exempted under Schedule 2 Part 2 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001, as may be amended). Secondly, the erection of advertising signs on, over or along the public road is licensable under Section 254 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2007. Such licences are granted on a temporary basis. The nature and extent of signage allowable will be determined by its location and in particular, the classification of the road will set the control parameters. 12.8 Sustainable Transportation Objectives Sustainable Mobility Objectives CPO 12.1 Through coordinated land-use and transport planning, to reduce the demand for vehicular travel and journey lengths by facilitating initiatives like carpooling and park and ride. CPO 12.2 Through sustainable planning and investment in transport infrastructure, including roads and public transport systems, to reduce journey times, length, congestion and to increase the attractiveness of public transport. CPO 12.3 In collaboration and with the support of the relevant transport agencies, to prepare and / or update existing Area Based Transport Assessments and Local Transport Plans for all towns in Levels 1-4 of the County settlement hierarchy (namely Bray and environs, Wicklow–Rathnew, Arklow, Greystones–Delgany, Blesssington, Baltinglass, Enniskerry, Kilcoole, Rathdrum and 4 For shopfront signage guidelines and standards, see Volume 3 of this plan.282

Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement (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.