Meath County Council Submission to Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2022-2042

Chapter 2      Progress made in implementation of previous strategy

As set out above, the Council acknowledges the support received from the NTA which has provided active travel infrastructure. Specific reference to the Navan Rail project, in Section 2.7 Forthcoming Schemes, is required given its importance to County Meath.

Chapter 5     Strategy Aims and objectives

The aim of the Draft Strategy is “to provide a sustainable, accessible and effective transport system for the Greater Dublin Area which meets the region’s climate change requirements, serves the needs of urban and rural communities, and supports economic growth”.

 The strategy objectives are as follows:

• An enhanced natural and built environment;
• Connected communities and better quality of life;
• A strong, sustainable economy;
• An inclusive transport system.

The policies and objectives of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 align with the principles set out above. The provision of sustainable, accessible, affordable, carbon neutral and efficient means of travel will assist the Council in the implementation of the policies and objectives of the Development Plan.  It is critical that capacity assessments of all existing public transport modes are carried out. This issue is influencing modal choice in East Meath, for example.

 Chapter 8    Planning for Sustainable Transport

Chapter 8 sets out that the integration of land use and transport planning will guide the future location of development. This is supported strongly in the Meath County Development Plan. The Strategy supports the 10-minute neighbourhood concept. Measures PLAN 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 refer to consolidation of development, location of retail and office development and location of Transit oriented development and mixed-use development. These measures are welcomed however, it is important that a balanced approach is adopted having regard to the legacy development pattern issues set out above.

Section 8.7 discusses filtered permeability and acknowledges the importance of a planned approach to provision of walking and cycling at the planning stage for new neighbourhoods.  The provision of new measures to support filtered permeability in new neighbourhood facilities is usually addressed as part of the planning process and is supported by Measure Plan 7. It is noted that the strategy acknowledges that the retrofitting of these links in existing urban areas can be problematic. The inclusion of a supporting measure/amendment to Plan Measure 7 to address this specific issue would be helpful. Concerns in some cases could be addressed with high quality design solutions. The inclusion of worked examples in this regard would be helpful.

Measures PLAN 8-PLAN 9 refer to school site selection. The implementation of Measure PLAN 8 will be very challenging for Local Authorities. It is unclear if the Department of Education have been consulted in this regard taking account of their role in school provision.  Will guidance be provided outlining the nature and type of evidence required from applicants to demonstrate that the site in question will achieve the requirement for the ‘majority of students and staff will travel to the school by public transport, walking and cycling.’ If such guidance is provided, what is the statutory basis of same?  Alternatively, will it be for the NTA to be the arbiter of whether this is achieved by a school proposal? In addition, does this measure apply to year of opening and each subsequent year? Will there be monitoring requirements? How will it be enforceable, and who will be carrying out any monitoring processes?

Measure Plan 9 requires that new sites for schools be accessible for most students by public transport and active travel. Measure Plan 10 requires that in the design of new schools, the design maximises priority for pedestrians and cyclists. It is unclear if the Department of Education has been consulted in this regard taking account of their role in school provision. For example, it is often the case that the connection of a school site to an existing footpath network is not funded by the Department of Education. This matter requires resolution as Local Authorities will be unable to fill any potential funding deficits.

Measures PLAN 12-PLAN 14 focus on the importance of achieving high quality urban design in transport schemes with greater recognition for placemaking qualities, active streets and an attractive public realm to encourage people to take public transport, walk and cycle. Specific reference to greening would be helpful. The Strategy would benefit from acknowledging the changing nature of our streets referencing the increased use of spaces for outdoor dining. A supporting measure in the strategy to future proof urban spaces to address this issue would be helpful.

The strategy supports Local Transport Plan (LTP) preparation and implementation. Measure PLAN 15 Local Transport Plans states the NTA will promote and assist Local Authorities to develop LTPs based on the ABTA methodology, as part of the statutory plan-making process. This is welcomed as the Council will be preparing LTPs for Navan, Ashbourne and Ratoath, MOV OBJ 1 of the CDP refers. In addition, a joint LTP will be prepared for Drogheda in partnership with Louth County Council. The NTA is a key stakeholder in the plan making process.

Chpts 10 and 11                  Walking and Cycling

The Council welcomes the inclusion of the following measures in the strategy:

Measure CYC 9 – Pedal Assisted E-Bikes

The NTA and local authorities will take into account the growing use of pedal-assisted E-bikes, and the benefits they may bring, in planning and designing the transport network in the GDA.

Measure CYC 10 – Electric Scooters

Subsequent to the enactment of national legislation, the NTA and local authorities will take into account the growing use of E-scooters and the benefits they may bring, in planning and designing the transport network in the GDA.

Measure CYC 11 – Other Emerging Personal Mobility Modes

The NTA, Local Authorities and Government will monitor emerging trends in personal mobility and respond accordingly in terms of legislation, regulation and infrastructure design.

These devices have potential to change travel behaviour to an extent that has been underestimated, until recently. The Council suggest that given the level of funding available and the establishment of Active Travel Offices in Local Authorities in preparation for a significant roll out of cycling infrastructure, the potential of E-Bikes, E; Scooter and other Personal mobility Modes to affect infrastructure design should be addressed as a matter of urgency. This will ensure that the demand for cycling infrastructure reflects the wide appeal of these devices and the cross section and level of service requirements of new cycling infrastructure takes account of these changing requirements.

The Council notes the changes that have been made to the Cycle Network Plan and request that the NTA engage with them prior to the finalization of the strategy to ensure alignment with the Council’s proposals for improving cycling infrastructure.

Chapter 12      Public Transport

The Council welcomes the enhancements to regional bus services since 2016 particularly the 109 NX service to/from Navan. The greatly enhanced town service and associated infrastructure in Navan has the potential to have a transformative effect on the role of bus in the town. The Council recently made comments as part of the Connecting Ireland Public Consultation which included some suggestions on further enhancements to rural services. The Strategy provides strong support for the Council’s proposals for bus infrastructure/services. The Council looks forward to engaging with the NTA on further initiatives to promote the use of bus services in the County.

The Council wishes to commend the efforts of the NTA in the advancement of BusConnects. BusConnects will considerably improve connectivity across the Dublin region. The opportunity exists for the NTA to future proof the system by provision of linkage to adjacent conurbations in Meath and by carrying out improvements on identified transport corridors. The corridors of specific relevance to Meath and suitable for expanded linkages include the R125 Ashbourne - Swords Corridor which will ultimately serve to connect into the proposed Metrolink and Dunboyne and Blanchardstown.

The Council welcomes the inclusion of Measure Rail 4 which supports the provision of a new rail line from the  M3 parkway to Navan in the Draft Strategy and the  accompanying detail provided in Section 12.4.10.   There is National, Regional and Local planning policy support for this project which is set out below.

The Navan Rail Project aligns with and supports the achievement of the following National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF:

• Compact Growth;
• Enhanced Regional Accessibility;
• Sustainable Mobility;
• A strong economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills;
• Transition to a Low carbon economy;
• Access to quality childcare, education and health services.

The project fully supports the strategic investment priority of providing environmentally sustainable public transport.

The Navan Rail project supports the following Regional Strategic Objectives in the RSES:

• Sustainable Settlement Patterns

Better manage the sustainable and compact growth of Dublin as a city of international scale and develop Athlone, Dundalk, Drogheda and a number of key complementary growth settlements of sufficient scale to be drivers of regional growth. (NSO 1, 7, 10).

• Compact Growth and Urban Regeneration

 Promote the regeneration of our cities, towns and villages by making better use of under-used land and buildings within the existing built-up urban footprint and to drive the delivery of quality housing and employment choice for the Region’s citizens. (NSO 1).

• Healthy Communities

Protect and enhance the quality of our built and natural environment to support active lifestyles including walking and cycling, ensure clean air and water for all and quality healthcare and services that support human health. (NSO 10).

• Integrated Transport and Land Use

Promote best use of Transport Infrastructure, existing and planned, and promote sustainable and active modes of travel to ensure the proper integration of transportation and land use planning. (NSO 2, 6, 8,9).

• Support the Transition to Low Carbon and Clean Energy

Pursue climate mitigation in line with global and national targets and harness the potential for a more distributed renewables-focused energy system to support the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050. (NSO 8, 9).

• A Strong Economy Supported by Enterprise and Innovation

To build a resilient economic base and promote innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that support smart specialisation, cluster development and sustained economic growth. (NSO 5,10).

• Improve Education Skills and Social Inclusion

 To improve education and develop the right skills to attract employers and retain talent and promote social inclusion to ensure opportunities for quality jobs across the Region. (NSO 5,10).

• Enhanced Strategic Connectivity

Protect and enhance international connectivity and regional accessibility to support economic development, build economic resilience and support strengthened rural communities and economies including the blue-green economy and tourism. (NSO 2, 3, 6).

Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027

The provision of a rail line from Pace (M3 Parkway) to Navan remains a key objective of the Council in order to facilitate the future development of Navan, a key town as designated in the RSES.

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.’

 MOV OBJ 5 ’ (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 3, 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) 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’.

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 unsustainable levels of out bound commuting, the Council is fully committed to the advancement of the rail project which will result in significant economic stimulus, carbon emissions reductions and societal benefits for residents of the county.

The absence of a rail service from Navan to Dublin places the town and wider county at a competitive disadvantage relative to other similar population growth centres within the region, the majority of which are serviced with rail services. Though the NTA have progressive plans to improve bus services, the delivery of critical rail infrastructure would serve to strengthen the transport links in the County and would significantly improve the County’s economic competitiveness. Regionally, the delivery of a rail line would also alleviate land availability pressures in Dublin City and Suburbs in the coming decades, while supporting the Settlement Strategy outlined in the EMRA RSES.

It is essential that the Strategy contains sufficient support and definitive timelines in order to enable the project to proceed to the planning phase without delay. The Railway Order application was substantially complete as was the Environmental Impact Statement and Appropriate Assessment in 2011. The route chosen maintained an alignment largely in keeping with the historic Navan – Dublin rail route and was selected as the preferred option after extensive consultations undertaken by Irish Rail with Meath County Council and all relevant stakeholders. This route alignment has been reserved in the Meath County Development Plan, 2021-2027. The Council welcome further engagement with all relevant stakeholders and recommencement of the preparation of the rail order.

The towns of Ashbourne and Ratoath are the second and fourth largest towns in County Meath with a population of approximately 13,000 and 9,000 respectively. Given the substantial growth of these towns in recent years, due mainly to their strategic proximity to Dublin, it is considered imperative to consider the long-term requirement of these towns beyond the lifetime of the County Development Plan. Given the development pressures and potential for the population growth in these towns, it is considered appropriate to include the potential concept of a rail link, having regard to the long-term sustainability requirements for the towns. These towns are considered significant large towns in an Irish context and it is reasonable to consider that if a rail line were to be developed in relatively close proximity, that a spur of the line should at least be considered in planning for same. It is acknowledged, accepted and agreed that a rail link serving Ratoath and Ashbourne cannot be considered or planned in advance of the delivery of the Navan rail line. Nonetheless, it is requested that the NTA acknowledge that early consideration of rail connectivity to towns of this size in the long-term should be at least explored, when delivery of the Navan rail line is  realised.

The Council welcome the inclusion of Measure Rail 1 which supports the Dart+ Programme. The  benefits of a sustainable, electrified and more frequent rail service, improving capacity on rail corridors serving Dublin will be of significant benefit to County Meath.

The Dart Coastal Northern Line (Drogheda to Dublin) will contain three train stops in County Meath namely Gormanston, Laytown and Drogheda. It is considered that the proposed works to upgrade this rail line will create a unique opportunity to include a new railway station at Bettystown, the result of which would reduce the number of car dependent trips to Drogheda and Dublin and alleviate the current parking issues at Laytown Train Station Car Park. The development patterns in East Meath and South Drogheda support the provision of an additional station in this locality. It is requested that Measure Rail 6 – New Rail Stations be revised to include the provision of a potential new rail station in Bettystown as part of the Dart Expansion works to Drogheda.

The provision of a further Train Station in the Southern Environs of Drogheda, given its designation as a Regional Growth Centre, would prove beneficial to the growth and economic development of the town and is also worthy of consideration. 

The DART + West Line expansion is welcomed. This will reduce the requirement for private car commuting in the area while supporting the planned expansion of population and economic development at settlements such as Dunboyne. In this regard, it is requested that a greater emphasis is placed on the potential for a public transport interchange at M3 Parkway, similar to that at Spencer Dock, Phibsborough/Glasnevin and Broombridge in Dublin. As outlined in the Dunboyne Transport Study, there is potential for greater interaction with the Number 109 Bus Eireann bus as well as the potential for additional bus services, such as Dublin Bus services to be provided at this location. It is suggested that Irish Rail engage with the NTA and the Council with a view to providing an improved public transport interchange at the M3 Parkway as part of the subject project.