- Introduction
Meath County Council welcomes the publication of the Draft Transportation Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area and the opportunity to comment on same. The Council wishes to acknowledge the collaborative relationship enjoyed with the NTA over the life of the current Strategy. The work completed in the County in partnership with the NTA has been very beneficial, the ongoing works in Navan being one such example of this successful collaboration. The Council look forward to further engagement on projects of critical importance to the county.
The Council provided a detailed submission at Issues Paper stage of the review process and has had comprehensive engagement with the NTA during the preparation of the Navan Railway Line Assessment Study.
This submission should be considered in conjunction with information previously provided. The submission begins with an overview of County Meath, an outline of the local planning policy and comments are provided using the nomenclature of the Draft Transportation Strategy.
2.0 Location and Overview of County Meath
County Meath occupies a strategic location within the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) area. The EMRA region has a population of 2.3 million people and is the economic engine of the state providing more than 1 million jobs. In Census 2016[1], Meath had a population of 194,044, accounting for 8.4% of the regional population. The portion of the County’s population residing in urban areas is 58.6%, therefore with 41.4% are living in rural areas. The overall population is profile is considered young with 83.4% of persons below the age of 65. This compares with an average of 79.6% for the State. Child dependency in the County is the highest in the State with 39% of the population under the age of 14 in comparison to an average of 32.3% for the State.
Meath is uniquely positioned along the national motorway network with 4 national motorways radiating through the county. The county therefore enjoys the benefit of strong transport links to the 2 largest cities on the island, Dublin and Belfast. These routes provide strong connectivity between Meath and the rest of the State. Given this strategic location, the County has benefitted historically from Nationally significant capital investment projects including for example the M1 and M3 motorways, an extensive school building programme, flood relief works, water and waste wastewater upgrades etc. These investments have assisted the Council to deliver the economic transformation, revitalisation and sustainable development of the County. This is an ongoing process that will require additional investment.
County Meath has a strong network of towns that are well serviced with social and physical infrastructure. Navan, the administrative capital of the county, is located on the M3 economic corridor. Designated as a key town in the Core Region of the EMRA, Navan is the dynamic urban centre and the focal point for the economic, cultural and social development of County Meath. The extension of the rail line from the M3 parkway to Navan is a long-standing strategic priority for Meath County Council. The inclusion of a supporting objective for this project in the Draft Transportation Strategy is welcomed and is discussed in the body of the submission. The extension of the rail is critical to Navan fulfilling its potential as a Key Town in the Region.
The historic influence of Dublin on population and settlement growth in Meath remains apparent with commuter-based settlements in the south and south-east of the County (including Ashbourne, the East Meath Settlements, and Enfield) experiencing the highest levels of population growth in County Meath. The Council's primary objective is to create sustainable communities. Retaining the attractiveness of the County as a place to live, visit and do business in is critical to achieving sustainable growth.
There is a considerable deficit in the provision of public transport in the County which has resulted unsustainable levels of out bound car-based commuting. Investment in significant public transport projects, for example the Navan Rail project, Dart + North and West in tandem with smaller scale projects for example, increased provision for walking and cycling will increase the modal share in the County for more sustainable transport modes and options.
In summary, County Meath as part of EMRA will be required to meet the demands arising from additional population, increased economic activity, transition to a low carbon economy etc. The integration of land use planning and transport as means of delivering positive economic and social outcomes for all our citizens is strongly supported by the Council.
3.0 Local Planning Policy Context
County Development Plans are the most important Corporate policy document produced by any Local Authority. These plans have significant citizen input and set out a Council's development priorities over a 6-year period in the context of the NDP, NPF and RSES.
Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027
The current County Development Plan was adopted in September 2021 and became effective on 03 November 2021. Further details can be accessed at: Meath County Development Plan | Meath.ie.
A programme of Urban/Local Area Plan preparation will commence in 2022. A number of settlements including: Ashbourne, Navan and Drogheda[2] require the preparation of a local transport plan.
The County Development Plan sets out the following vison:
‘To continue to support the creation of socio-economically progressive vibrant, dynamic, and healthy communities throughout the County and ensure that future growth is based on the principles of sustainable development that delivers a high -quality living and working environment that meets the needs of all residents, in accordance with National and Regional Guidance.’
The Development plan acknowledges that an efficient, integrated and coherent transport network in line with national and regional policy is fundamental to the future economic, social and physical development of Meath. The development of a sustainable transport system, increasing the use of public transport, while also increasing the modal share for walking and cycling in towns and villages across the County is a key priority for the Development Plan and subsequent UP/LAP’s.
Chapter 5 of the CDP sets out the Movement Strategy. The integration of land use and transport is identified as essential to the development of a more sustainable approach to transport in Meath. County Meath suffers from a considerable deficit in the provision of public transport which has led to unsustainable levels of commuting by way of private car use.
While the Plan encourages modal shift, it is also recognised that the county benefits from a strong road infrastructure which should be maintained and upgraded as necessary. Given the complexity of road projects, early collaboration between the NTA, TII, national and local authorities on road schemes will be critical to the success of these projects.
It is acknowledged that the NTA Strategy extends beyond the six-year Development Plan period. The submission addresses projects which are relevant to County Meath some of which are beyond the lifetime of the current CDP. The Council considers it essential that a long team strategic view is taken of transport planning.
The revised Strategy will support the sustainable development of Meath, by improved connectivity, encouraging economic growth, assisting in the fulfilling of environmental objectives and will support health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
[1] Unless otherwise stated all population, information is sourced from Census 2016.
[2] In conjunction with Louth County Council.