Overview Report. Proposed Development

Transcription

1 Overview Report Proposed Development the construction of a 1km cycle/pedestrian trail including a new footbridge, new car park and entrance road at Drumshanbo Lock and a new pedestrian/cycle road crossing, including widening of the existing footpath on the R208 regional road, as part of the North Shannon Blueway Phase III at Blackrock, Carricknabrack and Corrachuill townlands, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Part XI of the Planning and Development Acts and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations (Article 81) 11 April 2018

2 Contents 1. Introduction and Project Background 2. Location 3. The Proposal 4. Planning Policy Context 5. Road Safety Audit 6. Environmental Reports 7. Landownership 8. Public Consultation Process

3 1. Introduction and Project Background Blueways are a network of multi-activity recreational trails, based on or alongside lakes, canals and rivers in Ireland. They provide scenic routes by canoe, bike or on foot. The overall vision of the Blueway network is to create a regional, national and international tourist attraction and amenity. The development of Blueways presents valuable opportunities for rural communities to attract more visitors. These values lie not only in the recreational opportunities that they offer but also in their potential to stimulate local businesses and regenerate local areas. Blueways also provide an effective model of partnership between private, community, and voluntary sectors and relevant state bodies. Waterways Ireland are responsibile for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes Waterways Ireland is the navigation authority for the Shannon Navigation. Along the banks of the canalised river and canal sections of the Shannon Navigation, Waterways Ireland owns and maintains the towpath. Waterways Ireland is continually developing the opportunities on the Shannon navigation. There are exciting developments taking place, including the floating boardwalk around Acres Lake, this extension to the Drumhauver Bridge to Battlebridge Lock walk will eventually connect the town of Drumshanbo to Leitrim Village and Carrick-on-Shannon, be sure to check back for details. Leitrim County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland are now proposing the continuation of the North Shannon Blueway Trail from south of Drumshanbo Lock / bridge (R208) to the Outdoor Centre at Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo. The proposed Blueway will comprise of the construction of approximately 1km cycle/pedestrian trail, a timber footbridge, new zebra crossing on the R208, widening of existing footpaths, new access road and car park to Drumshanbo lock. The proposed development will include the provision of all associated signage and road markings, a bicycle stand, fencing and field access gates.

4 2. Location There is a wide network of established recreational facilities along the River Shannon. Blueways, North Shannon

5 This proposal is located at Blackrock, Carricknabrack and Corrachuill townlands, Drumshanbo, which is the area from Drumshanbo Lock at the north west of Drumshanbo town, where the southern extreme of Lough Allen meets the Canal, and extends north by 1 km to the Lough Allen Hotel. Site Location Location of Proposal

6 3. The Proposal At various locations along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway, walkways and cycle routes have been developed in both the rural and urban environments which have proven to be very popular attractions to the region. The current proposal is to develop a further 1.0km section of Blueway Trail from the existing Outdoor Centre beside the Lough Allen Hotel to South of Drumshanbo Lock / Bridge (R208) where it will connect to existing trail along the Lough Allen canal. Acres Lake Boardwalk The typical construction of the Blueway trail will involve constructing a 3m wide compacted stone unbound dust surface along most of the route (588m). Approximately 258m of an existing bridle path will also be upgraded to the same specifications as the unbound cycle path and will be 1.2m wide. A linear land drain is proposed for the upper side of the pathway to prevent ponding of field run-off water. The outfall will be to existing field drainage. This will be designed in short sections, with multiple crossing points to existing water drains. This will also limit accumulation of water, minimise drain diameter size and replicate existing drainage in as far as possible. A timber footbridge approximately 6.5m in length will be constructed over the Drumshanbo stream. Interlocking steel sheet piles for the footbridge foundations will be driven each side of the watercourse. These shall be driven to the required depth and form a box section of approximately 4m x 3.4m, to provide structural stability to support the footbridge above. Shutters

7 and reinforcing steel shall be placed to form a 4m x 3.4m insitu concrete base. The pre-fabricated footbridge will be lifted into place using a crane and connected to the two concrete pad foundations. A new car park and entrance road shall be constructed at Drumshanbo lock, providing 11nr additional car parking spaces and 2nr disabled parking spaces. New public lighting shall be included at the road crossing, in the new car park and access road as part of the proposed works. A surface water drainage system will include adequate attenuation and treatment via a hydrocarbon interceptor before being discharged into Lough Allen. 4. Planning Policy Context Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future, A New Transport Policy for Ireland This is the transport policy for Ireland for the period It recognises the vital importance of continued investment in transport to ensure an efficient economy and continued social development, but also promotes more sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. The National Cycle Policy Framework The National Cycle Policy Framework (as part of Smarter Travel - A Sustainable Transport Future 2009) sets out a national policy for cycling, in order to create a stronger cycling culture, a friendlier environment for cycling and improved quality of life. The vision is that all cities, towns and rural areas will be bicycle friendly. The policy document sets a target of 10% of all trips by bicycle by 2020 and places emphasis on promoting and integrating cycle networks. Leitrim County Development Plan Leitrim County Council has a number of policies and objectives set out in the County Development Plan which supports the proposed development. Policy 1 states, that it is the policy of the Council to deliver a County Tourism Strategy which

8 Leitrim County Council also recognises the importance of walking and cycling to the well being and quality of life of residents. It will support and encourage the continued development of walking as a sustainable form of transportation and will work with organisations and groups in the promotion of safe walking throughout the county, including heritage walks and the protection of public rights of way, which are an important amenity and tourism resource. In accordance with the principles of sustainable development, the basis of the Council s transportation policies include the encouragement of walking and cycling as a recreational activity and a healthy exercise. Section of the County Development Plan deals specifically with Walking and Cycling. A number of long distance walking and cycling tourist routes have been laid out and signposted throughout the County. The Council will facilitate the maintenance of existing routes and further expansion of these networks in co-operation with local community groups and the Regional Tourism Authority. These routes will be appropriately signposted so as to facilitate tourists and warn motorists. Objective 29 It is an objective of the Council to seek opportunities for the development of suitable walking routes, cycle tracks and bridle paths along redundant railway lines and other suitable locations such as; along waterways and historical access routes. Section of the County Development Plan deals with the Provision for Recreation and Amenity. The Council is aware that the tourism potential of its amenities has not yet been fully developed and will facilitate, and where necessary become directly involved in, the promotion and development of amenities. Relevant policies and objectives in this regard include: Policy 46 It is the policy of the Council to encourage safe walking and cycling by providing linear parks, footpaths, cycle paths and public lighting in towns and villages. The Council will facilitate, and where necessary become directly involved in, the promotion and development of amenities such as the work of Waterways Ireland in extending and promoting the Shannon Navigation, Lough Allen and the Shannon-Erne waterway. In relation to Natura 2000 sites which refer to Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, the County Development Plan states that the Council shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in these areas, the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as

9 well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC Directive). With regard to Natura 2000 sites, the County Development Plan includes the following policies: Policy 76 It is the policy of the Council to protect and conserve Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas including Candidate and Proposed areas. Policy 77 It is the Policy of the Council to ensure that all Plans and Projects that have the potential to negatively impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network, will be subject to a Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA), in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and in accordance with best practice and guidance Sustainable Transportation The council policies and objectives in relation to Sustainable Transportation are guided by National Policy document Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, (2009). This document recognises the vital importance of continued investment in transport to ensure an efficient economy and continued social development, but also promotes more sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. The promotion of initiatives that can reduce congestion, improve local environments and encourage healthier and safer lifestyles are key features of sustainable transportation. The Council seeks to influence people s travel behaviour towards more sustainable options and seeks to do so by working closely with relevant organisations in improving public transport facilities and promoting opportunities for alternative transportation such as walking and cycling. The Council recognises the importance of walking to the well being and quality of life of residents. It will support and encourage the continued development of walking as a sustainable form of transportation and will work with organisations and groups in the promotion of safe walking throughout the county, including heritage walks and the protection of public rights of way, which are an important amenity and tourism resource.

10 Policy 44 It is the policy of the Council to support the National Policy document Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, (2009) and implement, where feasible, guidance provided within the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets or any updated version of the document issued within the lifetime of the Plan. In accordance with the principles of sustainable development, the basis of the Council s transportation policies will be to encourage walking and cycling as a recreational activity and a healthy exercise. 5. Road Safety Audit A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit has been undertaken and accompanies the Part 8 application. The purpose of the Road Safety Audit is to assess the associated works in relation to the provision of the Blueway trail and in particular the road crossing in the extent of the works for the proposed scheme. Indications of some of the measures which are proposed are outlined below. The Blueway trail will cross the R208 Regional Road close to Drumshanbo Bridge, a controlled raised zebra crossing with clear visibility (70m minimum) has been provided. Additional warning signage shall be located on the approaches to the crossing and the street lighting in the vicinity of the crossing shall be improved. The existing foot paths shall be improved to provide a 2.5m wide path at the crossing location. The existing safety barrier shall be reduced by approximately 10m to allow for a safe waiting area at the new zebra crossing for pedestrians and cyclist. A small retaining wall shall be constructed at the back of the new waiting area to eliminate the potential hazard of different ground levels. The proposed new access road to the new car park shall have clear visibility (70m minimum). The junction has been designed as a Stop junction and a dwell area (approximately 10m or 2 car lengths) had been provided at the road junction.

11 Road Crossing & New Access Road Location (R208) 6. Environmental Reports An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and Ecological Impact Assessment Report has been prepared by McCarthy Keville O Sullivan Planning & Environmental Consultants (which accompanies this application) and reviews these sites in more detail. NATURA 2000 sites are protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance. They comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), designated under the Birds Directive. The development has been subject of an Appropriate Assessment screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Planning and Development Acts The Appropriate Assessment Screening Statement concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to give rise to significant or indeterminate impacts on any Natura 2000 site. 7. Landownership The majority of the lands required to develop the project are in the control of Leitrim County Council or Waterways Ireland. With regard to the other lands in private ownership, eight of the

12 landowners have submitted their written agreement to the principle of the proposed development. 8. Public Consultation Process This project is being formally advertised for public consultation between Wednesday 11 th April 2018 and Wednesday 23 rd May Details of the project are available for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Planning Authority and also on the Council website. The closing date for submissions is 4.00pm on Wednesday 6 th June 2018.