Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway. Feasibility Report. Navan Kingscourt Railway Committee

Transcription

1 Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway Feasibility Report Navan Kingscourt Railway Committee June 2013

2 Quality Control Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Remarks DRAFT FINAL Date April 2013 June 19 th 2013 Prepared by MF / AMP / JH MF Signature Checked by KB KB Signature Authorised by KB KB Signature Project number 2012P P025

3 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Context Scope of Feasibility Study Land Ownership Condition of the Rail Line Appropriate Assessment Health Impact Assessment Project Methodology Overall Methodology WP 1: Desktop Review WP 2: On Site Assessments WP 3: Stakeholder Consultation WP 4: Community Consultation WP 5: Route and Loop Specifications WP 6: Links to Other Strategies and Policies WP 7: Business Case WP 8: Implementation Plan Policy Context and Design Guidance Policy Context Guidance Documents Desktop Review The Route History of the Navan Kingscourt Railway The National Cycle Network Other Regional Trails and Tourist Attractions Future Developments Navan Railway, Navan North Train Station National Monuments Natura 2000 Sites... 22

4 5 Existing Characteristics of the Rail Corridor Trail Sections Navan Town Park to Kilberry ( 0 4km) Kilberry to Wilkinstown (4km 8km ) Wilkinstown to Castletown (8km 12km) Castletown to Nobber (12km 16km) Nobber (16km 20km) Nobber to Kilmainhamwood (20km 24km) Kilmainhamwood to Enniskeen (24km 28km) Enniskeen to Kingscourt (28km 30km) OPTIONS CONSIDERED Route Alignment Greenway Width Surface Finish Retention or Removal of the tracks and sleepers Lighting CONSULTATION Stakeholder Groups Removal or retention of the tracks and sleepers Rail line classification and ownership Development, construction and maintenance of the Greenway Replacement of the N52 bridge Decontamination of lands at Gyproc Health Benefits Identification of potential local walking and cycling loops Recommended Greenway Specification Route Maps Greenway Width Greenway Gradient Greenway Path Specification Screening... 52

5 8.6 Fencing Road Crossings Farm Crossings and other Access Crossings Trail head/parking locations Project Costs and Implementation Plan Implementation Plan Project Cost Estimate Business Case Introduction Data Sources Estimated Number of Users Estimated Spend Summary of Estimated Users and Spend Conclusion Appendix A: Route Character Maps Appendix B: Route Specification Maps Appendix C: National Monuments within 500m

6 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Context Kieran Boyle Consulting was appointed by the Navan to Kingscourt Railway Committee to carry out a feasibility study of the development of the disused Navan to Kingscourt railway line as a Greenway for both walkers and cyclists. The route would be approximately 30 km in length would extend from the major tourist and amenity area of the Boyne Valley in Navan to Kingscourt, in County Cavan, which is known as the Lakelands County The proposed route of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway (BVLCG) is shown on Map 1.1. The Greenway would accommodate walkers and cyclists from the local communities and the wider region and national and international tourists alike and Map 1.2 illustrates the scheme in this context. The route will be linked to the national cycle network and to the existing national cycle routes in Northern Ireland. Given the proximity of the route to the Greater Dublin Area and the towns of Navan, Drogheda and Dundalk, it is anticipated that the route would attract a high level of use and would thus benefit the region in terms of the local economy, tourism and public health The development of the greenway is in accordance with national policy across a number of sectors and the specific objectives of the BVLCG are to: Make better use of an existing, disused transport corridor Create a first class walking and cycling facility for local communities Create a tourist attraction which can contribute to the economic development of the local communities and the wider region. Encourage use of a sustainable mode of transport which interlinks with local amenities, services and existing public transport, Promote the National Cycle Policy Framework and support the National Recreation Strategy Help tackle obesity and promote activity Raise the profile of cycling and encourage people to cycle 1.2 Scope of Feasibility Study The scope of this feasibility study is to examine the technical and practical aspects of redeveloping the disused Navan- Kingscourt Railway line into an off-road walking/cycling greenway. The study also contains a robust cost estimate for the scheme and an assessment of the business case for the scheme. The feasibility study is extensive in scope and is addressing the key issues outlined below. All of these issues are addressed under cover of this report apart from the Appropriate Screening which is contained under separate cover. Route specification: Form of construction, width, surface finish, drainage; 1

7 Health and Safety: Bridges, road crossings, fencing, access to farm land; Environmental Assessment: Appropriate Assessment Screening; Project Costs; Project Phasing and Implementation Plan, and; Business Case: Economic Impact Assessment. 1.3 Land Ownership The rail line is entirely on the ownership of CIE and is classified as a disused rail line. The line is operated by Irish Rail in terms of the on-going maintenance. Because the line is entirely within the ownership of the State this removes a significant potential barrier to the development of the Greenway The feasibility study has identified a practical option for the greenway to be developed and maintained by Meath County Council and Cavan County Council through a license agreement with CIE which would facilitate the route to be reopened as a rail line in the future. The line would remain in the freehold ownership of CIE and would retain its disused classification. 1.4 Condition of the Rail Line In overall terms the rail corridor offers a relatively flat alignment which is ideal for recreational walkers and cyclists and can readily be redeveloped as a Greenway. The rail tracks and sleepers are by and large still in place but are no longer fit for purpose for carrying rail services. If the line was to be reopened to rail traffic then the tracks and sleepers would be required to be removed and replaced. The option of retaining or removing the track and sleepers was considered and the recommendation is to remove the tracks and sleepers The structure of the line in terms of embankments and bridges are well maintained with the exception of the N52 under bridge which was recently removed following a collision. Drainage routes are currently not maintained which leads to standing water on the line at some locations, in particular in sections of cut, however drainage could be readily re-established along the Greenway corridor. 1.5 Appropriate Assessment The feasibility study is the subject of a screening report for the required Appropriate Assessment that will determine if the project requires a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to assess the potential impact of the project on Natura 2000 sites within its area of influence. In addition, If the planning authority determines that the project may have a significant impact on the environment, a sub threshold Environmental Impact Assessment will be required as part of the planning process. Based on the findings of the Appropriate Assessment screening Meath County Council consider it highly unlikely that a Natura Impact Statement or sub-threshold EIS would be required. 2

8 1.6 Health Impact Assessment A Health Impact Assessment of the project has been carried out in parallel to this feasibility study. This study was carried out by the Health Services Executive (HSE), in accordance with the Institute of Public Health guidance, and assessed the potential effects of the Greenway on the health of the population and the distribution of those effects within the population. 3

9 Legend Boyne Valley to the Lakelands County Greenway Main Town Names km Map 1.1: Boyne Valley to the Lakelands County Greenway - Route

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11 2 PROJECT METHODOLOGY 2.1 Overall Methodology The project methodology was based on specific tasks defined as Work Packages. Eight Work Packages were identified and executed, as identified in Table 2.1 and summarised below. WP No 2.2 WP 1: Desktop Review Task 1 Desktop Review Work Packages 2 On Site Assessment 3 Stakeholder Consultation 4 Community Consultation 5 Route Specification 6 Links to Other Strategies and Policies 7 Business Case 8 Implementation Plan Table 2.1: Work Packages A comprehensive desk top review of the route was carried out including a review of mapping and photography of the rail line and potential loops and linkages, collation of best practise guidance for the development of walking and cycling routes and greenways and the review of relevant linked strategies. 2.3 WP 2: On Site Assessments A number of site visits were undertaken including a walkthrough of the entire route. A GPS unit was utilised on this site audit, allowing for the accurate recording of required information. The information was be recorded using a bespoke template that was used to develop the mapping, specification and cost estimate. The following information was recorded on site Existing rail line conditions, available width and drainage Structures including bridges, culverts, station platforms and buildings etc. Road crossings Features including existing and potential gates, cycle parking, signage etc. Access points, linkages and local loops, Construction and maintenance access points, 6

12 Adjacent land use and land ownership, Health and Safety issues 2.4 WP 3: Stakeholder Consultation Consultation was carried out with key stakeholders including Meath County Council, Cavan County Council, Irish Rail and the HSE. The main purpose of this consultation was to review the main opportunities and potential constraints along the route and to inform practical solutions that would facilitate the feasibility of delivering the Greenway. 2.5 WP 4: Community Consultation Community consultation was carried out to identify the existing and potential local walking and cycling loops that would be integrated into the Greenway. Future community consultation was undertaken as part of the Health Impact Assessment for the project. 2.6 WP 5: Route and Loop Specifications This work package formed key element of the study to determine the feasibility, specification and cost of the greenway. The route mapping was produced on a GIS base and the route was subdivided into coherent sections for the presentation of the route maps at an appropriate scale. The maps identify the salient existing conditions on the route and the recommended route specification in terms of construction, surface finish, width and drainage. The route specification was prepared in spread sheet format based on a route chainage identified on the route maps. This specification formed the basis for the cost estimate Proposed cross sections were produced as part of the design specification requirements. These sections identify variances in existing conditions and represent the recommended construction details where these variances occur along the route. Structures and road crossing required specific attention. The key structures are the embankments and the main road and river / watercourse bridges which were identified on the route maps and the required remedial work were identified. 2.7 WP 6: Links to Other Strategies and Policies As part of the desk top review and stakeholder consultation all links to other strategies and policies were identified. This section of the study was used to underline the cross-sectoral benefits of the greenway in terms of health, tourism, local amenity, social capital and the local economy. 7

13 2.8 WP 7: Business Case An Economic Impact Assessment will be developed based on evidence from various sources including Sustrans, the Great Western Greenway, census data, Failte Ireland tourism statistics and evidence from Greenway research across Europe and the United States. The direct economic benefits were identified in terms of potential spend from local users, domestic visitors and overseas tourist. These will were based on the potential number of annual users of the route from each of these user group classifications and their potential daily spend including bed nights. 2.9 WP 8: Implementation Plan An Implementation was developed that summarise the key actions required to deliver the Greenway from the planning approval stage through to construction. This Plan details in particular the planning approval stage and the potential requirements and options for achievement of planning. A programme for the delivery of the project through to completion of construction has been developed. 8

14 3 POLICY CONTEXT AND DESIGN GUIDANCE 3.1 Policy Context The following key documents have been reviewed to identify the relevant policies and objectives associated with the development of the proposed Greenway. National Level Smarter Travel Policy The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland Regional Level Regional Planning Guidelines National Cycle Policy Framework The Rural Development Programme Local Level Meath County Development Plan Cavan County Development Plan Navan Local Area Plan Kingscourt Local Area Plan National Level Smarter Travel Policy Overall Aims: To achieve a sustainable transport system by Relevant Objectives: o To create a strong cycling culture in Ireland and ensure that all cities, towns, villages and rural areas will be cycling-friendly. o Commitment to creating a culture of walking in Ireland, with recognition that there is strong convergence between walking as a tourism asset and walking as recreational activity for local residents. This in turn complements a culture of walking as a mode of everyday transport, by encouraging people to walk as a matter of routine. National Cycle Policy Framework Aim: To create a strong cycling culture in Ireland and ensure that all cities, towns, villages and rural areas will be bicycle friendly and that the bicycle will be the transport mode of choice for all ages.a culture of cycling will have developed in Ireland to the extent that, by 2020, 10% of all trips will be by bike. Relevant Objectives: o Support the planning, development and design of towns and cities in a cycling and pedestrian friendly way. o Provide designated rural signed cycle networks providing especially for visitors and 9

15 recreational cycling. Encouraging recreational cycling is a key element of creating a cycling culture in Ireland and recreational routes in and around urban areas, which, in turn link to rural areas are very important. o Provide Cycling-Friendly Routes To All Schools, Provide Adequate Cycling Parking Facilities Within Schools And Colleges, And Provide Cycling Training To All School Pupils o Ensure that all cycling networks - both urban and rural - are signposted to an agreed standard. o Ensure Proper Integration Between Cycling And Public Transport (PT) The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland Aim: To emphasise the importance of physical activity to the health of all Irish people; and outline the recommendations for physical activity for people of all ages and abilities. Provides guidelines for recommended physical activity for different age groups (2-18, and 64+ age groups and for adults with disabilities). The Rural Development Programme Aim / Objective: Focuses on three key objectives 1) Increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector through support for restructuring. 2) Enhancing the environment and countryside through support for land management. 3) Strengthening the quality of life in rural areas and promoting diversification of economic activities. Regional Level Regional Planning Guidelines For The Greater Dublin Area Overall Aim: The GDA by 2022 is an economically vibrant, active and sustainable international Gateway Region, with strong connectivity across the GDA Region, nationally and worldwide; a region which fosters communities living in attractive, accessible places well supported by community infrastructure and enjoying high quality leisure facilities; and promotes and protects across the GDA green corridors, active agricultural lands and protected natural areas. Relevant Objectives o Continuous development and delivery of Regional & Local Cycle network. o Increase opportunities and ease of access to countryside and areas of interest for residents, wildlife and biodiversity, with focus on promoting river corridors, Natura 2000 sites, nature reserves and other distinctive landscapes and regionally important green spaces as focal features for linkages between natural, semi natural and formalised green spaces. o Informal recreation, particularly walking and cycling, should be promoted through the development and expansion of a network of safe cycle and walking routes through and across towns, accessing parkland, in the built up area and into and through rural areas 10

16 Local Level Meath County Development Plan Transport Section Goal - To promote and facilitate the provision of the necessary transport infrastructure to fully accommodate existing and future population needs as well as the demand for economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner. Relevant Objectives o TRAN OBJ 1: To protect and safeguard the detailed designed alignment of Phase II of the Navan rail route and surrounding lands (including identified station locations). o TRAN OBJ 8: To promote and explore the development of the following linkages within the lifetime of the Development Plan (..) (ii) To provide the development of a cycle / greenway on the disused Navan Kingscourt rail line in conjunction with Cavan County Council subject to the completion of a feasibility study obtaining the necessary statutory planning consent, landowner co-operation and the securing of the necessary funding. Rural Development Section Goal - To encourage the continued sustainable development of rural communities without compromising the physical, environmental, natural and heritage resources of the County. Relevant Objectives o RUR DEV SO 8 To support and protect the existing economic base and seek to diversify the economy through both inward investment and the promotion of agriculture, forestry and tourism- related industries in rural areas. Cavan County Development Plan Transport To promote and facilitate the development of cycling and walking facilities in the County. Recreational Policy Seek to ensure the provision of recreation facilities to cater for different abilities, ages and interests within the County, as far as is practical. Tourism To promote the development of new walking routes To facilitate the protection, development and maintenance of walking and cycling routes within the County Navan Town Development Plan INF OBJ 28 To reserve the old Navan Dublin Rail line free from development given it is a proposed alignment for the Phase 2 of the Navan railway line Kingscourt Local Area Plan No relevant objectives/policies. 11

17 3.2 Guidance Documents The development of the trail specification included reference to best practice guidance from Ireland, the UK and Europe. This best practise is based on experience gained in the development of walking and cycling trails across Europe and further afield. The main guidance referenced was sourced from the following documents: A Guide to Planning and Developing Recreational Trails in Ireland National Trails Office Ireland Management Standards for Recreational Trails National Trails Office Ireland Classification and Grading for Recreational Trails National Trails Office Ireland National Cycle Manual National Transport Authority Ireland Connect 2 Greenways Design Guide SUSTRANS UK A technical guide to the design and construction of lowland recreation routes Scottish Natural Heritage Lowland Path construction A Guide to Good Practice (Paths for ALL) UK The European Greenways ; Good Practice Guide (European Commission) Pathsforall.org.uk In particular the National Trails Office recently produced guidance documents create, for the first time, clear guidance for trail development in Ireland which sets out the general criteria to be achieved if trails are to be recognised to a particular classification on the national trails register. In relation to the requirements for the routes to be traffic free this would permit the need to access the route by motorised vehicles for maintenance of the Greenway Figure 3.1 : Greenway / Shared Use Trail requirements (Reproduction of Table 8.1 from the Classification and Grading for Recreational Trails National Trails Office Ireland outlines the classification for Greenways and Shared Use Trails. The guidance outlines that for shared use walking and cycling trails a width between 2.0m and 3.0m would be desirable and that the surface should be either a consistent sealed surface or a consistent compacted material. The classification criteria were used as the main guidance for the overall specification for the Greenway The Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway is being designed as a multi-user trail for by walker and cyclists of all ages. It is not intended to be used as a horse-riding trail. 12

18 Figure 3.1 : Greenway / Shared Use Trail requirements (Reproduction of Table 8.1 from the Classification and Grading for Recreational Trails National Trails Office Ireland 13