Chapter 5: Movement Strategy

MH-C5-624
Dept. of Transport, Tourism and Sport 

Section 5.3

Delete the following body text and replace as follows in Section 5.3 ‘Policy Context’  : 

Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) The Capital Plan presents the Government’s €42 billion framework for infrastructure investment in Ireland over the period 2016 to 2021. The plan is committed to the provision of high quality infrastructure. It outlines allocations for new projects across a number of key areas and funding to ensure that the present stock of national infrastructure is refreshed and maintained. In particular it mentions the commencement of the Slane By-Pass and the Laytown – Bettystown link road.

Replace with: National Development Plan 2018-2027 (NDP) 
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. This level of capital spending will provide clarity to the construction sector, allowing the industry to provide the capacity and capability required to deliver Government’s long-term investment plans. With Enhanced Regional Accessibility a National Strategic Outcome, the Plan outlines the national road network projects which will be provided with investment. This includes the N2/A5 road, serving Meath, Monaghan and Donegal and the N2 Slane Bypass.
 

MH-C5-46
Cavan County Council. 

Section 5.3

Include the following body text in Section 5.3 ‘Policy Context’:

A number of sections of the national road network will be progressed through pre-appraisal and early planning during 2018 to prioritise projects which are proceeding to construction in the National Development Plan,. tThese projects include: N3 Clonee to M50, N3 Virginia Bypass, N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross, N2 Ardee to south of Castleblayney and N2 Clontibret to the Border. A number of local roads are listed in the NDP for progression over the life of the plan in which the Bettystown/Laytown Spine Road is included.

MH-C5-624
Dept. of Transport, Tourism and Sport  

Section 5.3

Delete the following body text and replace as follows in Section 5.3 ‘Policy Context’  : 

Investing in our Transport Future - A Strategic investment Framework for Land Transport (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2015) This document considers the role transport should play in the future of the Irish Economy and seeks to identify a strategy for the development and management of Irelands land transport
network. The framework is intended to guide key land transport investment decisions over the next number of decades. The document also provides a set of criteria against which to assess national and regional land use planning policy, including the development of a possible new spatial planning framework. It also functions as a filter for new transport investment projects prior to their appraisal for suitability for inclusion in national or regional schemes.

Planning Land Use and Transport – Outlook 2040 
Transport investment must have due regard for the Project Ireland 2040 National Strategic Outcomes, particularly those which are most relevant to the transport sector, such as enhanced regional accessibility and sustainable mobility. To ensure a consistency of approach across Government in relation to Project Ireland 2040, Planning Land Use and Transport: Outlook 2040 sets out a framework for future transport investment. This document will replace Transport Future – A Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SIFLT) and will ensure a joined-up approach to planning across Government.
 

MH-C5-816
Office of the Planning Regulator 

Section 5.3 Policy Context

Amend the following body text in Section 5.3 ‘Policy Context’: 

Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2019 (DMURS), (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Environment)

The focus of the manual is to create streets that are safe, attractive and comfortable for all users. It presents a series of principles, approaches and standards that are necessary to achieve balanced, best practice design outcomes with regard to street networks and individual streets. Well designed streets can create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote real alternatives to car journeys, namely walking, cycling or public transport. The manual gives guidance on the layout of new developments and on the design of individual roads and streets taking into account streetscapes, urban design as well as engineering criteria. Where relevant, the manual must be implemented taken into account by all Planning Authorities when permitting or planning development.

(FTF) NOM 5 
Cllr Mike Bray

Section 5.5 Integration of Land Use and Transportation Planning

Insert the following new objective in Section 5.5 ‘Integration of Land Use and Transportation Planning’:

MOV OBJ XX - To seek regular engagement between Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the relevant Municipal District regarding road safety issues communities located on Meath’s national roads
 

MH-C5-823
National Transport Authority 

Section 5.5

Update the following objective in Section 5.5 ‘Integration of Land Use and Transportation Planning’: 

MOV OBJ 1: ‘To prepare and commence implementation of, Local Transport Plans (LTP), in conjunction with the NTA and relevant stakeholders, for Drogheda (in conjunction with Louth County Council as part of the Joint Urban Plan), Ashbourne, Navan, Ratoath, other settlements where appropriate, having regard to the Area Based Transport Assessment Guidance Notes (2019).

MH-C5-60
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

Section 5.5

Amend MOV POL 1  in Section 5.5 Integration of Land Use and Transportation Planning as follows;

MOV POL 1: To support and facilitate the integration of land use with transportation infrastructure, through the development of sustainable compact settlements which are well served by public transport, in line with the guiding principles outlined in RPO 8.1 of the EMRA RSES 2019-2031.
 

(FTF) NOM 3
Cllr. Mike Bray on behalf of the Fianna Fail Group
MH-C5-816 
Office of the Planning Regulator 

Delete the following text in Section 5.7.1:

……The provision of a rail line from Pace (M3 Parkway) to Navan remains a key objective of the Local Authority in order to facilitate the development of Navan as a the key town in the county, as designated in the RSES.  This was supported in the RSES which included an objective ‘to support the delivery of a number of rail projects including the re-appraisal of the extension of the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan during the Mid Term Review of the GDA Transport Strategy.’ At present, there is a rail service to Dublin from all 12 administrative capitals with the exception of Navan putting it at a competitive disadvantage . The delivery of this critical infrastructure will strengthen the transport links in the County and will significantly improve the County’s economic competitiveness as well as having a meaningful improvement on the quality of life of the County’s residents . 
The preparation of the Railway Order application for Phase II of the Navan Rail project was substantially completed including the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura 2000 Appropriate Assessment in 2011. A route which maintained an alignment largely in keeping with the historic Navan – Dublin rail route was selected as the preferred option and extensive consultations were undertaken by Irish Rail with officials of Meath County Council and all relevant stakeholders. The Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 outlines the NTA’s policy position with regard to the delivery of Phase II of the Navan Rail Line and has noted that the extension of the commuter rail line to Navan has been previously proposed and assessed as part of the examination of the Navan-Dunboyne-Blanchardstown-Dublin City Centre corridor. It states that ‘based on current population and employment forecasts, the level of travel demand between Navan, Dunshaughlin and various stations to the city centre is considered insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at this time. It is intended that, as part of the next Strategy review, the likely future usage of a rail connection to Navan will be reassessed, taking into account the level of development that will have taken place over the next six years in Navan and Dunshaughlin and their environs. Pending that review, the corridor previously identified for a rail link to Navan should be protected from development intrusion’ .
This Plan maintains a strong policy stance to ensure that the detailed designed alignment is protected from further development, and that this protection also extends to potential stations and park and ride sites along the route. This Plan will  generally ensure, through the inclusion of a specific zoning objective R1 Rail Corridor which seeks ‘to provide for a strategic rail corridor and associated physical infrastructure’ (as illustrated on Map Series No. 5.1) that the design route of Phase II of the Navan Rail Line (as confirmed by the NTA) will generally be reserved free from development.

It is further noted that recent support delivered to the project by the RSES, supported strongly by MCC significantly improves future prospects of delivery of this key infrastructure for County Meath and the designated Key Town of Navan.

It is the policy of the Council:
MOV POL 5    To actively pursue in conjunction with Irish Rail the reappraisal of the extension of the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan during the Mid Term Review of the GDA Transport Strategy in accordance with the precepts of the RSES.

MOV POL 6    To support the reappraisal of Phase II of the Navan railway line project and associated rail services in cooperation with other relevant agencies.

Replace with the following body text and amend POL 5, 6 and 7:

….….The provision of a rail line from Pace (M3 Parkway) to Navan is a critical component of the Councils vision for the county while  facilitating the development of Navan as a key town, as designated in the RSES.  

Strong population growth in recent years and under-investment in public transport services within the County has led to unsustainable levels of outbound commuting by way of private car usage. Recognising the unsustainability of these commuting patterns, the Council is fully committed to the advancement of a rail line which will result in significant economic stimulus, carbon emissions reductions and societal benefits for citizens of the county. When delivered, the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway-Navan Rail Line will comprise an electrified rail line, through the Dart + Programme, which will transform the county and provide sustainable links to the Greater Dublin Area.  

The delivery of Dunboyne/M3 Parkway-Navan Rail Line is supported at a regional level in the Eastern and Midlands RSES which includes an objective ‘to support the delivery of a number of rail projects including the re-appraisal of the extension of the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan during the Mid Term Review of the GDA Transport Strategy.’ The commencement of the aforementioned appraisal is now underway and the results of this will inform the mid-term review of the GDA Transport Strategy. 

The Council note that the absence of a rail service from Navan to Dublin places the town and wider county at a competitive disadvantage to the other twelve administrative capitals within the region. The delivery of this critical infrastructure will serve to strengthen the transport links in the County and will significantly improve the County’s economic competitiveness, while having a meaningful improvement on the quality of life of the County’s residents . It is therefore imperative that the delivery of the rail line is included in the next GDA Transport Strategy and subsequent Capital Infrastructure Programme in order to ensure investment can be secured to achieve these public transport improvements and consequent carbon emission reduction targets for the County. Though the re-appraisal will be conducted by the NTA, the Council will actively participate in this appraisal to ensure the assessment is rigorous in its consideration of all relevant matters pertaining to the County’s need for a rail line. 

Considerable efforts have been undertaken in the past decade which has included the substantial completion of the Railway Order application for Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan and the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura 2000 Appropriate Assessment in 2011. This route maintained an alignment largely in keeping with the historic Navan – Dublin rail route and was selected as the preferred option after extensive consultations were undertaken by Irish Rail with Meath County Council and all relevant stakeholders. 

Notwithstanding this progress, the advancement of the project has faced delays as the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 states that ‘based on current population and employment forecasts, the level of travel demand between Navan, Dunshaughlin and various stations to the city centre is considered insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at this time. It is intended that, as part of the next Strategy review, the likely future usage of a rail connection to Navan will be reassessed, taking into account the level of development that will have taken place over the next six years in Navan and Dunshaughlin and their environs. Pending that review, the corridor previously identified for a rail link to Navan should be protected from development intrusion’.

Notwithstanding the re-appraisal outcome, this Plan maintains a strong policy stance to ensure that the detailed designed alignment is protected from further development, and that this protection also extends to potential stations and park and ride sites along the route. The Plan will also ensure, through the inclusion of a specific zoning objective R1 Rail Corridor which seeks ‘to provide for a strategic rail corridor and associated physical infrastructure’ that the design route of Dunboyne/M3 Parkway rail line to Navan (as confirmed by the NTA) will be not be compromised.  Furthermore, this Plan advocates a rail solution that will best serve the county and would therefore support the completion of a route option study to confirm the most optimal route, once the principal of the rail line has been established. Finally, the Council will continue to be actively and strongly pursue the advancement of the rail line to appraisal and beyond, having regard to the wide-ranging long-term benefits of the project.

It is the policy of the Council:

MOV POL 5: To support the extension of the rail network in the County and to actively and strongly pursue a rail line from Dunboyne/M3 Parkway to Navan subject to proper planning and environmental considerations.

MOV POL 6: To actively pursue, in conjunction with Irish Rail and the NTA, the re-appraisal of the extension of the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan during the Mid-Term review of the GDA Transport Strategy in accordance with the precepts of the RSES.

MOV POL 7: To support the reappraisal and thereafter, promote, facilitate and advance the Dunboyne /M3 Parkway line to Navan railway line project and associated rail services in cooperation with other relevant agencies

MH-C5-60
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly 

Section 5.7.1

Update the following objective in Section 5.7.1 ‘Rail’: 

MOV OBJ 3
(a)    To protect and safeguard the detailed designed alignment of Phase II of the Navan rail route and surrounding lands (including identified station locations), as illustrated on Map Series No. 5.1 in Volume 4, free from development and any encroachment by inappropriate uses which could compromise its future development as a rail facility, prior to the reappraisal of the project as part of Mid Term Review of the GDA Transport Strategy in accordance with the precepts of the RSES.

(b)    To explore in conjunction with Irish Rail and other stakeholders the feasibility of a future rail spur off the Navan-Dublin Rail line from Dunshaughlin to serve Ashbourne and Ratoath. As part of the future planning of the Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan, the possibility of a spur serving Ashbourne and Ratoath should be explored subject to compliance with national policy and the Railway Order.

MH-C5-823
National Transport Authority (NTA) 

Section 5.7.2

Amend the following objective in Section 5.7.2 ‘Bus’: 

MOV OBJ 13: To work with the NTA and Bus Eireann to make all existing public transport services throughout the county more accessible for wheelchair users and those with disabilities. and require that proposals for new transport infrastructure are subject to an Accessibility Audit.

MH-C5-112Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Section 5.7.2

Amend the following objective in Section 5.7.2 ‘Bus’ as follows: 

MOV OBJ 11: To require Mobility Management Plans and Traffic and Transport Assessments for proposed trip intensive developments, as appropriate. Please refer to Chapter 11 Development Management Standards and Land Use Zoning Objectives

MH-C5-823
National Transport Authority (NTA)

Section 5.7.3

Amend the following policy in Section 5.7.3 ‘Park and Ride Facilities’:

MOV POL 13: To promote and support the provision of Park-and-Ride facilities in the preparation of Local Transport Plans, in consultation with the Park & Ride Development Office, which improve public transport accessibility without exacerbating road congestion, or which cause increased car travel distances, at appropriate locations within the County.

(FTF) NOM 15 – Revision to original NOM 24
Cllr Ronan Moore 

Section 5.7.5

Amend the following body text and policy: 

5.7.5    Electric Vehicles (EV) and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Electric Vehicles (EV) refer to both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). In line with the Government target to electrify new cars and vans by 2030, the NPF acknowledges the need to move away from ‘polluting and carbon intensive propulsion systems to new technologies such as electric vehicles and introduction of electric and hybrid traction systems for public transport fleets’. There are a number of charging points around the County and this Plan promotes the further installation and expansion of charging points for these vehicles in order to achieve the 2030 targets for full electrification.

The transport sector will undergo significant changes in the years ahead with technologies evolving to facilitate greater battery life and longer travel range as well as the development of alternative methods to fuel the transport sector. In this regard, the Council will also support non-EV alternative clean fuel sources as these technologies develop and subject to proper and sustainable planning considerations. 

NOM 22
Cllr Francis Deane 

Section 5.7.6

To include the following new objective Section 5.7.6 ‘Cycling & Walking’: 

MOV OBJ XX- ‘To ensure that design for cycle infrastructure for all relevant developments shall be carried out in accordance with the NTA Cycle Manual.’

 (FTF) NOM 2 
Cllr. Bray

Section 5.7.7

Insert the following new objective in Section 5.7.7 ‘Green Schools’: 

MOV OBJ XX - To support the installation of appropriate traffic management measures on a case by case basis on the approach roads to all schools throughout the county in the interest of road safety

MH-C5-46
Cavan County Council 

Section 5.8

Insert the following body text in section 5.8 ‘Developments of National and Regional Strategic Importance’:

5.8.4 N3 Corridor
The N3 corridor is a critical cross border economic route which is essential to facilitate strategic traffic movement and to maintain and improve connectivity to the North-West and border region. The importance of this route is recognised in both the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and the NPF 2040.

The NPF identifies regional economic resilience and connectivity to the North-West as a strategic priority and the National Development Plan makes reference to the progression of the N3 Virginia Bypass which ties into the existing dual Carriageway in the jurisdiction of Meath Co. Council. The recently adopted Northern and Western RSES supports the TII and Cavan Co Council in the planning and delivery of this strategically important Scheme. The delivery of these works will be supported and facilitated by the Council in conjunction with Cavan County Council, TII and the  Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 

Section 5.8

Amend the following objectives in Section 5.8 ‘Developments of National and Regional Strategic Importance’: 

MOV POL 23 – To support the reservation of the indicative route delivery of the Leinster Outer Orbital Route, which is considered to comprise important infrastructural development, and when finalised, to protect the route corridor free of developments which could interfere with the provision of the project.

MOV OBJ 33 – When finalised and agreed, to reserve the route corridor the indicative route of the Leinster Outer Orbital Route free of developments which could otherwise interfere with the provision of the project.

MOV OBJ 34 - To continue to support and facilitate TII, Fingal County Council, Louth County Council and Monaghan County Council in the planning and delivery of upgrades to the N2, as appropriate and to reserve route corridor free from development which would interfere with the delivery of identified schemes, when finalised.

MH-C5-943
Meath County Council Transportation Department 

Section 5.8.1 

Amend Section 5.8.1 ‘Slane Bypass’ in the first sentence of the last paragraph as follows (body text): 

There is agreement that the potential safety risks that affect the future well-being of all road users and communities, particularly the Slane community must be addressed. There are numerous road safety problems associated with the existing N2, particularly on the section which runs across the Slane Bridge and through Slane Village. These problems include substandard vertical and horizontal alignment, including steep gradients on the approaches to Slane Bridge and the N2/N51 crossroads junction, sharp bends, one-way shuttle traffic across Slane Bridge, tight turning radii at the N2/N5 junction, particularly for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) and reduced forward visibility and junction visibility. 

High volumes of HGV’s has led to traffic congestion, delays and nuisance for residents and visitors to the village, posing significant ongoing road safety risks for all road users. 
Meath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have long recognised these significant road safety issues. The installation of interim road safety measures in 2002 improved some of the safety issues but the inherent safety problems continue to exist on the substandard N2 alignment and by effect, so too does the risk of serious collisions for both road users and residents. 

In seeking a solution, the Council recognises that a balance must be achieved between environmental, historical and archaeological considerations and the safety and other negative impacts caused by the current traffic situation in Slane village. 

(FTF) NOM 4 
Cllr Wayne Harding

Section 5.8.1 

Amend the following objective in Section 5.8.1 ‘Slane Bypass’: 

MOV OBJ 33 :  To support and facilitate the delivery of the bypassing of an N2 Bypass to the east of Slane Village which is considered to comprise important infrastructural development and to construct same subject to obtaining the relevant development consents required and to reserve and protect route option corridors from development which would interfere with the provision of the project. Development of the project will be subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process. Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/ reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected.

MH-C5-943 
Meath County Council Transportation Department

Section 5.9

Amend MOV OBJ 35 in Section 5.9 ‘Roads Infrastructure’ as follows;

MOV OBJ 35 - To facilitate the delivery of all of the roads projects outlined in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035, in conjunction with the NTA, TII, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and other stakeholders. Development of these road projects will be subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process. Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), either alone or in combination with any other projects. If despite the implementation of mitigation measures, there remains a risk that the proposals will adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected.

Amend MOV OBJ 42 as follows: 

MOV OBJ 42 - To support essential public road infrastructure including, bypasses of local towns and villages and proposed national road schemes and where necessary reserve the corridors of any such proposed routes free of development, which would interfere with the provision of such proposals. Such road schemes include those specified in the non- exhaustive list in Table 5.1: Each of these projects will subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process. Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected.

MH-C5-969  
Cllr. Wayne Harding

Section 5.9 Roads Infrastructure

Amend MOV OBJ 46 in Section 5.9 Roads Infrastructure

MOV OBJ 46 - To promote the delivery of key strategic roads in the Key Town of Navan to include but not limited to: 1) link  road  from Dublin road to Trim road, 2) distributor road from R153 at Farganstown and future bridge across the River Boyne to N51 and North Navan 3) link road  from Rathaldron road to R147 inclusive  of bridge across the Blackwater 4)Trim Road to N3 Kilcarn Road, 5) Commons Road to N51 Athboy Road, (6) N51 Athboy Road to Rathaldron Road.Each of these projects will  subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process. Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), either alone or in combination with any other projects. If despite the implementation of mitigation measures, there remains a risk that the proposals will adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected. In relation to proposals involving the construction of new bridge crossings across the River Boyne and River Blackwater, where adverse effects on the integrity of the Boyne and River Blackwater SAC and SPA are identified, will not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site(s) either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. It is reasonable to assume that at the detailed design stage any potential for a project element to impact on European Sites could, and will, be resolved through the exploration of alternative locations or designs while still fulfilling their function/ role in supporting the overarching vision, guiding principles and strategic objectives/ aim of the CDP.

Amend MOV OBJ 48 

MOV OBJ 48 - To promote the delivery of the following key strategic roads included but not limited to: Ratoath Outer Relief Road, Bryanstown Link Road (Drogheda), Navan Road – Dublin Road Link, Trim, M3 Junction 6/R125 to R147 distributor road. Each of these projects will subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process.Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), either alone or in combination with any other projects. If despite the implementation of mitigation measures, there remains a risk that the proposals will adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Section 5.9.2

Amend the following policy in Section 5.9.1 ‘National Roads’: 

MOV POL 24: To safeguard the capacity and safety of the National road network by applying the provisions of the Department of Environment Community and Local
Governments – Spatial Planning and National Roads-Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 to avoid the creation of any additional development access to national roads and intensification of existing access to national roads to which speed limits greater than 60kph apply, save in accordance with agreed ‘exceptional circumstances’ included in MOV POL 33.

MH-C5-60
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

Section 5.9.2

To include the following objective after MOV OBJ 39 in Section 5.9.2 ‘Regional and Local Roads’ and re-number accordingly:

MOV OBJ XX: To work in conjunction with Cavan County Council in the planning and delivery of the N3 Virginia Bypass Scheme located within the administrative area of Meath County Council. This project will subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 

Section 5.9.2

Changes to Table 5.1 Proposed Road Schemes in Section 5.9 ‘Roads Infrastructure’ as follows: 

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Section 5.9.2

Amend the following policy in Section 5.9 ‘Roads Infrastructure’: 

MOV POL 28: To promote the carrying out of Road Safety Audits and Road Safety Impact Assessments on new road schemes, road and junction improvements and traffic management schemes in accordance with the TII Publication TII-GE-STY-01024 and advice contained in the DTTAS (DTO) Traffic Management Guidelines 2012.To avoid the creation of any additional development access to national roads and intensification of existing access to national roads to which speed limits greater than 60kph apply, save in accordance with agreed ‘exceptional circumstances’ included in MOV POL 33.

MH-C5-772
Louth County Council 

Section 5.9.2

Incorporate objective after MOV OBJ 40 in Section 5.9.2 ‘Regional and Local Roads’ as follows and renumber accordingly:

MOV OBJ XX: “To support and facilitate the delivery of the Ardee bypass and to prohibit development along any selected route that could prejudice its future delivery. This project will be subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process.”

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 

Section 5.9.2

Include the following objective in Section 5.9. ‘Roads Infrastructure’ as MOV OBJ 39 and renumber accordingly:

MOV OBJ XX: To safeguard the capacity and efficiency of the national road network drainage systems in County Meath for road drainage purposes, save in exceptional circumstances.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Section 5.9.2

Amend the following policy in Section 5.9 ‘Roads Infrastructure’: 

MOV POL 31: To have regard to the TII’s Policy on Service Areas (August 2014) Statement on ‘Service Areas on Motorways and High Quality Dual Carriageways’ in the assessment of proposals for such developments.

NOM 21
Cllr. Aisling Dempsey

Section 5.9.3

Insert new objective under Section 5.9.3 on Section 48 and 49 Levies:

MOV OBJ XX: Where indictive road proposals are shown on the edge of a settlement boundary, they shall be considered to be included within the development boundary.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Section 5.9.4

Amend MOV POL 33 in Section 5.9.4 ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ as follows;

To avoid the creation of any additional access point from new development/intensification of traffic from existing entrance onto national roads outside the 60kph speed limit, except at the following locations:

N52 south of Balrath Cross to facilitate bioenergy manufacturing plant and CHP plant(Map 5.3.1);

Navan North (Junction 9) to Mullaghboy Roundabout on N51 (New Junction Only) (Map 5.3.2);

Navan South (Junction 8) to Kilcarn Roundabout on R147 (New Junction Only) (Map 5.3.3);

N2 at Slane in the vicinity of the existing Grasslands Fertilizers facility (Seveso Site) (Map 5.3.4);

N51 at Slane Distillery and Castle (Map 5.3.5);

N2 at Knockharley in the vicinity of existing regional landfill facility (Map 5.3.6);

N2 at Rath Roundabout to junction of Curragha Road (Map 5.3.7). 

Each of these projects will subject to the outcome of the Appropriate Assessment process. Where adverse effects on European site integrity are identified, alternative routes or designs will be developed to ensure that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), either alone or in combination with any other projects. If despite the implementation of mitigation measures, there remains a risk that the proposals will adversely affect the integrity of any European Site(s), the project will not be progressed unless and alternative solution can be implemented which avoids/ reduces the impact to a level that the integrity of the European Site(s) is (are) unaffected.

Grouped Themed Submission no. 9-Miscellaneous Issues

Section 5.10

Amend MOV OBJ 55 in Section 5.10 Climate Change as follows: 

MOV OBJ 55 - To ensure that any transport maintenance and improvement strategies consider ensure future climates are considered, to by allowing appropriate selection of materials and prioritisation of road for repair subject to adherence to TII standards.

Grouped Themed Submission no. 9- Miscellaneous Issues 

Section 5.11

Amend the following objective in Section 5.11 ‘Freight’: 

MOV OBJ 58: Where appropriate, to require the provision of HGV parking facilities at on-line and off-line motorway service areas, petrol filling stations and other appropriate locations within the County in accordance with relevant planning guidelines and government policy.

MH-C5-112
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 

Section 5.12

FTF) NOM 6 
Cllrs Maria Murphy & Alan Tobin
MH-C5-826
Dublin Airport Authority 

Section 5.12

Revised body text and policies/objectives as follows: 

Section 5.12 Aviation Sector: 
The development and safeguarding of Dublin Airport is fundamental to the economic growth of the County given its proximity to Dublin Airport. The economic benefit to the region is outlined in the InterVISTAS report Dublin Airport Economic Study 2015. This study confirms Dublin Airport as an essential driver of the Irish Economy, as a primary gateway serving the country for air passengers and cargo. It is estimated that 97,400 jobs are supported by the airport and that €6.9bn is contributed to Irish GDP. In this context the Plan will seek to support and facilitate the development and expansion of Dublin Airport. 

In 2019, a review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the existing noise zones for Dublin Airport was undertaken. This review, completed by the Noise Regulator for Dublin Airport, concluded that noise zones should be updated to take into account increased annoyance to aircraft noise at lower noise exposure levels, and to account for night-time aircraft noise exposure which had not been previously considered. Based on the outcome of this review, the previous noise zones were replaced to set out revised noise zones.

No part of County Meath falls within Noise Zone A, which seeks to actively resist new provision for residential development and other noise sensitive uses. Instead, a portion of the County falls within Zone B and Zone C of the Noise Zones. Within these geographical areas, there is a need to minimise the adverse impact of noise without placing unreasonable restrictions on development. Developments located with Noise zones B & C should therefore be controlled to require noise insulation where the predicted noise environment of the site is considered exceed levels appropriate for the development. In the case of residential development, this serves to protect the residential amenity of the proposed dwelling whilst safeguarding the future operations of Dublin Airport.
The extents of the Noise Zones and Public Safety Zones for Dublin Airport are shown in the Plan maps nos. 5.4.1 & 5.4.2. 

Parts of the County are located within both the outer and inner noise protection zones and the outer public safety zone for the airport. There is a need to minimise the adverse impact of noise without placing unreasonable restrictions on development. Both noise zones are shown in the Plan maps nos. 5.4.1 & 5.4.2, an Outer Zone within which the Council will continue to restrict inappropriate development, and an Inner Zone within which new provisions for residential development and other noise sensitive uses will be actively resisted.

Guidance on Public Safety Zones and land use is provided in the document ‘Public Safety Zones, 2005’ by ERM ltd. The Council will follow the advice of the Irish Aviation Authority and DAA regarding the effects of proposed development on the safety of aircraft and the safe and efficient navigation thereof. Impacts of green energy infrastructure such as wind farms and photovoltaic’s will be examined and considered under the Development Management Chapter of the Plan. The Irish Aviation Authority require that all planning applications for Solar PV arrays within a 15km radius of airports shall be accompanied with a Glint and Glare assessment which shall be referred to them for comment. These assessments should have regard to potential Glint and Glare towards existing and planned aviation receptors, in particular (i) Glare towards the 2 mile (3.2) km approach path for runways and (ii) Glare towards Air traffic control towers. 

Refer to Volume 3 Amendment no. 3 for maps which are associated with this amendment.