Donegal County Council
Roads & Transportation Directorate
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended)
Nature and Extent of proposed development in accordance with Part 8 requirements of the above Regulations.
Donegal Town, One-Way System
Prepared by : Donegal County Council Road Design Office County House Lifford Co. Donegal
Date : May 2020
Part 8 Report May 2020
Contents
1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………..1 2. Background …………………………………………………………………………………………..2 3. Nature of Works …………………………………………………………………………………….3 4. Design and General Factors …………………………………………………………………..4 4.1 Carriageway ………………………………………………………………………...….4 4.2 Parking ………………………………………………………………………………...4 4.3 Improvements for Pedestrians …………………………………………………..4 4.3.1 Footpaths …….………………………………………………………………………4 4.3.2 Crossing Points …………………………………………………………………….5 4.3.3 New Street Lighting .…………………………………………………………..5 4.4 General Design …………………………………………………………………………..5 5. Extent of the Works.…………………………………………………………………………….13 6. List of Drawings & Documents on Display ..………………………………………….13
Appendices Appendix A: Planning Notice Appendix B: Drawings
Part 8 Report May 2020
1. Introduction
Donegal County Council proposes to change the traffic management arrangement on Tirchonaill Street, Castle Street, Water Street and New Row to improve the traffic flow and parking facilities and safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users in Donegal Town.
The scheme was brought forward following a presentation to the Councillors of the Donegal Municipal District by the Donegal Business Focus on the 9th December 2014, a motion submitted by Cllr John Campbell at the Municipal District on 14th July 2015 and numerous complaints received from members of the public regarding the traffic management and parking facilities within Donegal Town.
The proposal introduces a one-way system on the following streets: Tirchonaill Street - from New Row to the junction of Bridge Street with traffic flow towards The Diamond. Castle Street - with traffic flow from Water Street towards Tirchonaill Street. Water Street – with traffic flow from Main Street towards New Row. New Row – with traffic flow from Water Street towards junction of Tirchonaill Street.
This proposal will allow traffic to move more freely, improve the parking facilities on Tirchonaill Street by extending parking facilities from Castle Street to the Church of Ireland and new parking facilities on Tirchonaill Bridge. This proposal will also improve the traffic movements at Bridge Street /Tirchonaill Street Junction and also Main Street/Water Street Junction.
The proposal includes the widening of existing substandard footpaths on Tirchonaill Street from Castle Street to Bridge Street at the Olde Castle Bar, the Court House and the Donegal Castle on Tirchonaill Street. New wall mounted anti-vandal street lighting shall also be installed between Castle Street and Church of Ireland entrance. Both the widening of the footpaths and new street lighting will enhance pedestrian safety on Tirchonaill Street and pedestrians walking from Castle Street towards The Diamond or visa-versa.
The proposal also includes widening of existing footpaths on New Row including a build out on the bridge over the River Eske that with improved pedestrian facilitates including street furniture and safe crossing points.
This Part 8 Planning Report provides a background to the existing situation, describes the nature of the proposed traffic management improvements, design factors considered and the extent of the proposed works.
The site location, site extents and proposed one-way systems are shown Drawing Numbers P1605-000 to P1605-009. A copy of these drawings is included in Appendix B.
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2. Background
Donegal Town is a town with an abundance of historic attractions and a variety of hotels that attracts thousands of tourists all year round. The town centre known as The Diamond is populated with many gift, antique and craft shops, restaurants and cafes, banks and two well- known hotels called the Abbey Hotel and the Central Hotel which all attract many people into the centre of Donegal Town.
The traffic currently flows one-way around The Diamond and in a clockwise direction with two- ways traffic flow designated on all roads entering and exiting The Diamond (Bridge Street (R925), Main Street (R267) and Quay Street (R267). Tirchonaill Street (L1925-3) which extends from the junction with New Row (L1925-4) to the junction of Bridge Street and is currently designated as a two-way flow traffic system. The junction of Bridge Street and Tirchonaill Street is adjacent to the Diamond. Traffic exiting the Diamond onto Bridge Street is also currently permitted to turn right onto Tirchonaill Street.
There is a restricted parking section (single yellow line) on Tirchonaill Street between the junction with Castle Street and adjacent to the Church of Ireland on Tirchonaill Street. Vehicles continually park on the single yellow line during the restricted busy period, obstructing traffic to flow in a two-way system, creating a bottle neck and resulting in traffic congestion for vehicles turning off Bridge Street on to Tirchonaill Street.
Tirchonaill Street (L-1925-3) varies in width with on street parking facilities permitted on both sides from the junction with New Row to the entrance to Hanna Hats; and on one side from Hanna Hats to the Old Post Office. This section of road from Hanna Hats and Old Post Office entrance is then too narrow for two-way traffic and can only accommodate traffic travelling in one direction and thus oncoming vehicles having to pull in to allow other oncoming vehicles to pass.
Castle Street (L1925-2) extends from the junction with Water Street to the junction with Tirchonaill Street. Castle Street is currently designated as two-way traffic flow. However, with parking permitted along one side; this section of road is then too narrow for two-way traffic and can only accommodate traffic travelling in one direction and thus oncoming vehicles have to pull in to allow other oncoming vehicles to past.
Water Street (L1925-1) extends from the junction with Main Street to New Row at Water Street Bridge and is currently designated as two-way traffic flow. However, with parking permitted along one side; this section of road is narrow for two-way traffic and can creating a bottle neck and result in traffic congestion for vehicles turning off/on at Main Street/Water Street Junction.
New Row (L1925-1) extends from Water Street Bridge to the junction with Tirchonaill Street and is currently designated as two-way traffic flow. HGV’s travelling south from the Eske Road are currently restricted from accessing Castle Street due to the tight radii of the junction and also New Row adjacent to the River Eske due to the existing height restriction. HGV’s therefore must continue through to Main Street which can create a bottle neck and result in traffic congestion at the Main Street/Water Street Junction.
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The proposed works will also reduce the congestion on Bridge Street by not permitting a right turn onto Tirchonaill Street and restricting the traffic flow to only one direction towards The Diamond on Tirchonaill Street. Congestion will also be reduced on Main Street by not permitting traffic accessing from Water Street.
The proposed one-way traffic flow will also facilitate the installation of additional on street parking, improve traffic flow. It will also provide for the installation of pedestrian crossing and the widening of existing footpaths and improve safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users.
3. Nature of the Works Donegal County Council proposal consists of the following:
Designate Tirchonaill Street one-way from the junction with New Row to the Bridge Street junction with traffic flow towards The Diamond. Designate Castle Street one-way with traffic flow from Water Street towards Tirchonaill Street. Designate Water Street one-way with traffic flow from Main Street towards New Row. Designate New Row from Water Street Bridge to the junction with Tirchonaill Street one- way with traffic flow from Water Street Bridge towards Tirchonaill Street. The one-way systems will be carried out in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Provision of a mini roundabout at New Row/Tirchonaill Street/ Drumrooske Road Junction to aid traffic flow. Re-alignment of Tirchonaill Street, Water Street and New Row to provide wider footpaths and crossing points and enhance pedestrian safety. Provision of additional on street parking on Tirchonaill Street, Water Street & New Row New public street lighting on Tirchonaill Street between Castle Street and Bridge Street. New signage and road markings to ensure that the local resident, drivers and tourists alike fully understand the new road layout and additional parking arrangements. New road layout with kerbing for the new footpaths to be built in accordance with DMURS & TII Standards.
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Figure 1 – Map of Proposed One-Way System
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4. Design and General Factors
4.1 Carriageway All carriageways within the works will be one-way only. The conversion to one-way traffic will allow footpaths to be widened where necessary and in conjunction with build outs, narrowing of carriageway lanes, traffic speeds through the area will be adequately managed.
4.2 Parking The one-way proposal will enhance on street parking facilities significantly on Tirchonaill Street. The number of available parking spaces will increase from 79 spaces to 94 spaces equating to an increase of 19%. Refer to drawing P1605-004 for the existing traffic management arrangement and existing parking facilities and refer to drawing P1605-005 for the proposal one-way system and the enhanced on street parking facilities.
Build Outs will be provided at the parking bays at the end of Castle Street, Tirchonaill Street, Water Street and New Row to signify the one-way system, provide traffic calming and enhance the safety of pedestrians at crossing points.
Elderly friendly and disabled parking will be provided on Bridge Street adjacent to the Post Office to provide safe access for vulnerable road users.
Loading bays will be provided on Water Street and New Row. Also an area just off the Diamond on bridge Street will be designated as a Loading Bay between 7am and 11am daily and revert back to general parking thereafter.
4.3 Improvements for pedestrians The provision of widening existing footpaths and traffic calming measures will enhance pedestrian safety as well as traffic flow. The following proposals will be incorporated in the design:
4.3.1 Footpaths The existing footpaths on Tirchonaill Street adjacent to the Donegal Castle, Court House and the Old Castle Bar are very narrow and do not meet current design standards with footpath widths as narrow as 600mm wide. The dimensions of the existing footpaths at these locations are referred to on drawing number P1605 -006. The one-way system allows the footpaths in these locations to be widened considerably, thus enhancing pedestrian safety and also making the footpaths more user friendly for pedestrians with impaired mobility. The new increased footpath width dimensions are referred to on drawing number P1605-006.
Where possible a footpath of 1.8m (DMURS 4.3.1, p 87) shall be provided to allow sufficient space for two people to pass comfortably. With the increase in the footpath width, the streets will not cater for two-way traffic and will revert to a one-way system.
At the junction of Bridge Street and Tirchonaill Street, at the Court House, there are a series of steps which disadvantage pedestrians with impaired mobility and parents with prams walking from Bridge Street to Tirchonaill Street. These steps shall be removed entirely and a small retaining wall shall be constructed with a pedestrian hand-railing on top. A much wider footpath without any steps shall then be constructed for pedestrians walking from Bridge
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Street to Tirchonaill Street along with street furniture including seating and flower planters. The alignment of the new footpath will also signify the proposed one-way system and no entry from Bridge Street onto Tirchonaill Street. Refer to drawing P1605 – 006 for further details.
On the Water Street Bridge a build out will be provided to include street furniture and seating. This proposed build out is to facilitate traffic calming and to provide a safe rest area for pedestrians.
4.3.2 Crossing Points Crossing points will be provided at all junctions with the proposed one-way and also adjacent to Donegal Castle on Tirchonaill Street and Water Street Bridge. Footpath build-outs will also be incorporated into the crossing points for the dual purpose of traffic calming and providing a safer crossing for pedestrians. All crossing points will include drop kerbing and tactile paving.
4.3.3 New Street Lighting There is currently no public street lighting on Tirchonaill Street between Castle Street and the Court House which leaves this area extremely dark for pedestrians walking at night. As part of the one-way proposal, new wall mounted light fittings will be fitted to the existing masonry wall along the footpath and a new 6m high heritage lighting column installed on the new build out at the junction of Castle Street and Tirchonaill Street. Refer to drawing number P1605-006 for further details on the new proposed street lighting.
The existing lanterns at the Court House and at Tirchonaill Bridge shall also be upgraded to LED to enhance the public street lighting.
4.4 General All proposed works have been designed in accordance with the TII Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, DTTS Traffic Management Guidelines, and DMURS – Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
The following is a list of minimum requirements from Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) for One–Way and Two Way Traffic and Pedestrian Footpath)
Minimum carriageway width for 2 way traffic: 5.5m Minimum carriageway width for 1 way traffic: 2.75m Minimum footpath width; (Minimum space for two people to pass comfortably. Areas of low pedestrian activity) 1.8m (Desirable space for two people to pass comfortably. Areas of low to moderate pedestrian activity) 2.5m Minimum parking space width: 2.1m Minimum parking space length (Parallel Parking) 6.0m Minimum width of Loading Bay: 2.4m Minimum Length of Loading Bay 4.8m
The scheme will provide new signage and new road marking for the new parking locations and for double yellow lines.
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The selection of photographs provided below shows some of the existing footpaths and parking on Tirchonaill Street, Castle Street, Water Street and New Row in Donegal Town.
Photo 1 – Tirchonaill Street to Castle Street – Existing Restricted Parking Area
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Photo 2 – Illustrating spacing only for traffic travelling in one direction when cars parked on the restricted parking area on Tirchonaill Street.
Photo 3 – Tirchonaill Street & Bridge Street Junction showing vehicle waiting to turn right on Tirchonaill Street causing a build up of traffic in the Diamond Area
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Photo 4 Photo 5
Photo 6
Photos 4, 5, & 6 show the existing arrangement of steps at the junction of Bridge Street and Tirchonaill Street.
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600mm 800mm
Photo 7 Photo 8
800mm 600mm 1.0m
Photo 9
Photos 7, 8, & 9 - Illustrating the existing narrow footpaths on Tirchonaill Street adjacent to the Court House and the Old Castle Bar.
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Photo 10 – Illustrating space only for traffic in one direction Tirchonaill Street from Old Post Office entrance to Hanna Hats entrance
Photo 11 – Junction of Tirchonaill Street and Castle Street
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Photo 12 – Castle Street – from Water Street to Tirchonaill Street
Photo 13 – Water Street – looking towards Main Street illustrating space only for traffic in one direction
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Photo 14 – New Row - parallel parking both sides
Photo 15 – Tirchonaill Street/ New Row Junction
5. Extent of the Works
The improvement works will consist of: New Signage on the Bridge Street, Tirchonaill Street, New Row, Castle Street and Water Street to ensure that the local residents, tourists and traffic fully understand the new road layouts, traffic management arrangements and parking facilities.
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New Road makings/ painting to match the new signage to allow the vehicle and pedestrians to move safely and for the new parking. Provision of new footpaths and kerb laying to be constructed in accordance with DMURS where possible. Build Outs and crossing points on Tirchonaill Street, Water Street and New Row. Provision of a mini roundabout at New Row/Tirchonaill Street/ Drumrooske Road Junction to aid traffic flow. Re-alignment of Tirchonaill Street, Water Street and New Row to provide wider footpaths and crossing points and enhance pedestrian safety. Provision of additional on street parking on Tirchonaill Street, Water Street & New Row.
The onsite works will consist of excavation for the installation of the new post for signage, excavation for new kerb realignment for new junction layouts and widened footpaths. There will also be new road marking and the removal of the old road marking all of which will be done in accordance with DMURS & Traffic Signs Manual.
Donegal County Council is the contracting authority for the works contract for this scheme. Drawings showing the layout of the proposed scheme and its proposed location and extents are included in Appendix B.
Donegal County Council will provide all warning signs and traffic control necessary for the safe execution of the works and will ensure that traffic disruption be kept to a minimum.
6. List of Drawings & Documents on Display
Drawing Drawing Title Scale Number P1605 - 000 Cover Page N/A P1605 - 001 Contents Page N/A P1605 - 002 Site Location N/A P1605 – 003 Extent of Site Works As Shown P1605 – 004 Existing Traffic Management Arrangements As Shown P1605 – 005 Proposed One Way System (Sheet 1 of 4) As Shown P1605 – 006 Proposed One Way System (Sheet 2 of 4) As Shown P1605 – 007 Proposed One Way System (Sheet 3 of 4) As Shown P1605 – 008 Proposed One Way System (Sheet 4 of 4) As Shown P1605 – 009 New Road Signage for Proposed One Way N/A System
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Appendix A: Planning Notice
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CHOMHARLE CONTAE DHÚN NA NGALL DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended) ARTICLE 81 NOTICE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 81, PART 8 OF THE ABOVE REGULATIONS, RELATING TO A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
TAKE NOTICE that Donegal County Council propose to carry out the following development consisting of the introduction of a One-Way System in Donegal Town, Co. Donegal in the Townland of Mullans, located in the Donegal Town Municipal District as scheduled below. ______SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED WORK No. Title Townlands For Viewing Plans 1 Donegal Town, One-Way System Mullans www.donegalcoco.ie Services > Roads Service > Roads Service Public Consultation Description and Extents It is proposed to introduce a One-Way System onto Tirchonaill Street, Castle Street, Water Street and New Row within Donegal Town to improve traffic flow, safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users and also to create additional on-street parking.
The project will include: Designate Tirchonaill Street one-way from the junction with New Row to the Bridge Street junction with traffic flowing towards The Diamond. Designate Castle Street one-way with traffic flowing from Water Street towards Tirchonaill Street. Designate Water Street one-way with traffic flowing from Main Street towards New Row. Designate New Row from Water Street Bridge to the junction with Tirchonaill Street one-way with traffic flowing from Water Street Bridge towards Tirchonaill Street. Provision for a mini roundabout at New Row/Tirchonail Street/ Drumrooske Road Junction. Provision of additional on street parking on Tirchonaill Street, Water Street & New Row. New public street lighting on Tirchonaill Street between Castle Street and Bridge Street. New road markings, signage, drainage works, landscaping, and accommodation works. New road layout with kerbing for new footpaths to be built in accordance with DMURS & TII Standards. The one-way systems will be carried out in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.
NOTE: Due to Covid 19 restrictions currently in place, viewing of the plans and particulars for this proposed development will only be available for inspection or download at www.donegalcoco.ie under section “Services > Roads Service > Roads Service Public Consultation”. Alternatively you can contact our Customer Service Centre on (074)91 53900 to find out more about the Proposed Works.
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The proposals will be available for inspection from 9am Monday 25th May 2020 to 5pm Tuesday 23rd June 2020. Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area in which the development is situated may be made in writing to The Co. Secretariat Office, Donegal County Council, Lifford, County Donegal, before 4.00pm on Wednesday 8th July 2020.
Note that in accordance with Article 120(1)(b)(i) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) Donegal County Council has concluded, based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.
Please mark the front of the envelope with the project name as per the above schedule.
Signed: John G McLaughlin., Director of Service Roads & Transportation., Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford.
Advertised in the DONEGAL DEMOCRAT (Thursday edition) on 21st May 2020
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Appendix B: Drawings