7 Movement and Transport

Aim: To promote ease of movement within 7.2 National and Regional Context and access to , by integrating sustainable land use planning with a high A number of national and regional policy quality, integrated transport system; to documents are of relevance to the future support improvements to the road, rail and policy approach regarding integrated public transport network, together with movement and transport in Athy. cycleway and pedestrian facilities and to provide for new and improved transport 7.2.1 National Development Plan (2007- facilities within Athy in a manner which is 2013) and Transport 21 (2006- consistent with proper planning and 2016) sustainable development. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 7.1 Background (NDP) and Transport 21 indicate future funding for infrastructural improvement Improving the standard of transportation works. Key projects affecting Athy include: infrastructure in Athy is of primary importance. The provision of good quality - The development of the infrastructure is essential to the economic, Route Project (including four- social and cultural development of the town. tracking between Heuston and ). The designation of Athy as a Moderate Sustainable Growth Town within the Greater - Construction of additional park and Area necessitates the improvement ride facilities. of links to and from Athy for all trip purposes by all modes of transport. The most - Mainstreaming of accessibility significant traffic management improvement across all modes of public transport. in Athy in recent years has been the M9 upgrade which includes the new N78 from 7.2.2 National Transport Authority Athy to the M9. The National Transportation Authority is a It is vital that links with Dublin and statutory body established by the Minister surrounding areas are maximised not only to for Transport in December 2009 and is attract business development into the town responsible for preparing a strategic but also to provide for leisure and other trips transport plan for the integrated to and from the Metropolitan area. Athy’s development of transport infrastructure and public transport services include a services in the Greater Dublin Area. It is network linking the town with Dublin and the expected that the Authority will set out the surrounding regional towns, there is also a framework for the delivery of infrastructure rural transport service linking Athy with the and services in an integrated transport plan nearby rural centres. Athy train station is covering a 12 to 20 year period. The located on Church road and is served by the Authority also has responsibility for the main Dublin – / Kilkenny / Waterford capital funding of all major public transport line providing regular connections to these infrastructure projects planned for the centres. Greater Dublin Area

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 66

7.2.3 Smarter Travel, a Sustainable co-ordinated by the Environmental Transport Future, a New Transport Policy Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership for 2009-2020 with Local Authorities throughout the country, and supported by the Department Smarter Travel A Sustainable Transport of Environment, Heritage and Local Future, (2009) is the new transport policy for Government, the Department of Transport Ireland for the period 2009-2020. It and the National Transport Authority. Details recognises the vital importance of continued of the scheme can be found at investment in transport to ensure an efficient http://www.greenschoolsireland.org economy and continued social development. It also sets out necessary steps to ensure 7.2.6 National Cycle Policy Framework that people choose more sustainable 2009-2020 transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. It sets out five key The National Cycle Policy Framework (as goals: part of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future 2009) sets out a national 1) To reduce overall travel demand, policy for cycling, in order to create a stronger cycling culture, a more friendly 2) To maximise the efficiency of the environment for cycling and improved quality transport network, of life. The vision is that all cities, towns and rural areas will be bicycle friendly. The 3) To reduce reliance on fossil fuels, policy document sets a target of 10% of all trips by bicycle by 2020 and places 4) To reduce transport emissions, emphasis on promoting and integrating cycle networks. 5) To improve accessibility to transport. 7.2.7 Electric Transport Programme 7.2.4 DTO – A Platform for Change (2008) 2000-2016 The Electric Transport Programme 2008, The DTO’s transport strategy “A Platform for seeks to assist Ireland in meeting EU targets Change 2000-2016” seeks the development on carbon emissions. The target seeks that of an efficient and high quality system of 10% of the National Road Transport fleet be public transport connections within the GDA. electrically powered by 2020. The provision Work has commenced on developing a new of appropriate battery charging infrastructure Transport Strategy for the GDA for the in car parks and other suitable locations is a period up to 2030 which will be linked to means by which the Council can assist in sustainable land use planning and directed achieving this objective. by the economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of the region. 7.2.8 Rural Transport Initiative

7.2.5 Green School Initiative Rural Transport Initiatives are supported by the Department of Transport under the Rural The Green-Schools Initiative is an Transport Programme and part-financed by international environmental education the EU through the National Development programme and award scheme that Plan 2007-2013. There are currently two promotes and acknowledges long-term, companies offering a rural transport service whole-school action for the environment. within the County - South Kildare "Green-Schools in Ireland" is operated and

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 67

Community Transport and Offaly Kildare more efficient traffic movement in an east – Community Transport Ltd. west direction through the town.

7.3 Transport Strategy 7.3.2 Traffic Management Plan and Parking Strategy (TMP) 2009 7.3.1 Athy Integrated Framework Plan 2004 This TMP commissioned by Kildare County Council was carried out by WSP consultants The Athy Integrated Framework Plan for in 2009. The purpose of the study is to Land Use and Transportation (IFPLUT) was provide specific traffic and transport commissioned jointly by Kildare County recommendations for the town centre streets Council and the Dublin Transportation Office of Athy which can be developed in tandem in the context of Athy’s designation as a with key infrastructure projects proposed for secondary growth centre in the Strategic the town. Planning Guidelines (1999). In additional the TMP had also been The purpose of this study was to set out an developed with an emphasis on enhancing integrated framework plan for the future the heritage value of the historical development of the town. streetscape of the town centre and the potential to provide enhanced civic areas. The Integrated Framework Plan sets out the The study develops recommendations preferred scenario for the development of based on an assumed phasing of key the town up to 2016. In order to develop this infrastructure projects including the preferred scenario, guiding principles and Southern Distributor Road and the New objectives were set out, upon which the Town Street and the Northern Distributor strategy could be assessed. The various Road. The recommendations made are land use scenarios were also measured categorised into immediate term, short term using two modelling processes. Firstly, the and long term recommendations. sustainability of each land use scenario was gauged by determining the walking 7.3.3 Sustainable Transport distances between major trip attractions. Then each viable scenario was tested up to The further development of a sustainable 2016 using two computer-modelling transport system will be an important packages. These computer programmes component in meeting the physical, social model traffic behaviour around the town and and economic needs of Athy and will be a assess the modal split for the various key priority over the period of this Plan. journey types. The results from this modelling are then assessed in terms of The Council will seek to influence people’s their compliance with the guiding objectives travel behaviour towards more sustainable with a final preferred scenario being options by working closely with relevant selected as the most beneficial to the future organisations in improving public transport development of the town. facilities and promoting opportunities for alternative transportation such as walking In terms of movement and transportation, a and cycling. roads hierarchy and associated car park locations were identified as part of the preferred scenario identified in the IFPLUT, with a strong emphasis put on the delivery of the SDR in particular in order to allow for

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 68

7.4 Policy Statements GT 6: To progressively improve all urban roads and footpaths and maintain 7.4.1 Policies-General Movement and these to the highest possible Transport standards, having regard to the availability of finance and amenity It is the policy of the Council: and townscape requirements.

GT 1: To co-operate with other agencies GT 7: To improve road safety within the to promote and facilitate the town centre by implementing implementation of a sustainable gateway entry treatments and other transportation strategy for Athy speed reduction measures (incl. having regard to Transport 21 50kph signage) inside the town (2006- 2015), Department of boundary. This measure will include Transport’s Smarter Travel – A reducing the speed limit Sustainable Transport Future 2009- appropriately in the core town 2020 and the Dublin Transportation centre, and between the town centre Office’s strategic document Platform and the town boundary. for Change 2000-2016”and the forthcoming strategy to be published GT 8: To investigate the reduction of by the National Transport Authority. vehicular traffic passing through the Town Centre to improve the GT 2: To support sustainable modes of pedestrian environment of the transport that ensure that land use town’s retail core. planning and zoning are fully integrated with the provision and GT 9: To co-operate with the public development of high quality transport authorities and any other transportation systems. relevant bodies to promote the use of existing parking facilities in the GT 3: To promote and encourage the town for park and ride purposes. development and growth of Athy in line with the principles of GT 10: To utilise the provisions of Sections sustainable development and to 48(2)(C) and 49 of the Planning and continue to support the policies and Development Act 2000 as amended recommendations as outlined in the to generate financial contributions Athy Integrated Framework Plan for towards the capital costs of Land - Use and Transportation and providing strategic and local the Athy Traffic Management Plan. transport infrastructure.

GT 4: To provide a road network which is GT 11: To continue to support the operation safe and efficient for all road users of and development of the bus while being cognisant of the service provided by South Kildare Community Transport supported by requirements of all traffic, including the Department of Transport motorised vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. GT 12: To have regard to the condition, location and accessibility of heritage GT 5: To ensure that Athy is well- items in the planning and provision connected to both the national road of transportation services. network and local centres of population.

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 69

GT 13: To have regard to the policies, Kilkenny / Waterford line. The are currently actions, outcomes and 10 services from Athy to Dublin with 8 recommendations of the Kildare services from Dublin to Athy daily, there are Local Authorities Noise Action Plan also parking facilities at the station and at a regarding new development in separate location close to the station which proximity to National Routes. provide the opportunity for commuters to park and ride. GT 14: To increase the level of access within Athy to a choice of transport Athy town is served by bus transport with a modes and, in particular, to promote range of services to centres including forms of development that reduce Carlow, Portlaoise, Dublin, , dependence on private car , Kildare and . Bus transport. Eireann currently operate both local and expressway services through Athy. The local GT 15: To require roads and other service operates once a day from Athy - infrastructure crossing a Natura – Naas. The expressway services 2000 site to comply with the operate five departures a day from Athy to following requirements: Dublin and four departures from Dublin to Athy daily. South Kildare Community • Demonstrate the need for the Transport Ltd was formed out of the project in light of a “do nothing” Department of Public Enterprise Rural context. transport Initiative and recently began • Develop and evaluate a operating services between Kildare, comprehensive series of Monasterevin and Athy providing six plausible alternative routes and services per day. Private bus operators also design strategies. provide commuter and general services from • Demonstrate how each route Clonmel via Athy and Naas to Dublin City. In has taken due account of, and addition a limited number of private bus accommodated ecological services run through Athy to the third level considerations and legislative colleges of NUI Maynooth and the Institute requirements. of Technology in Carlow. Athy Town Council • Demonstrate that the chosen will promote improved and more frequent rail route will not cause any and bus services from Athy to other urban significant adverse effects on centres in the County and elsewhere. the integrity of the Natura 2000 site. It is the policy of the Council:

GT 16: To support the Government’s TM 1: To promote the enhancement and to Electric Transport Programme 2008, maximise the use of Athy train by facilitating the roll-out of charging station and to assess the need to infrastructure for electric vehicles at provide for additional parking appropriate locations within the town, through the planning system. facilities at this location.

7.4.2 Public Transport TM 2: To facilitate and promote the development of upgraded rail Athy is served by both bus and rail public infrastructure and services on the transport. The rail service includes the ‘Dublin-Waterford’ line through Athy. mainline intercity service on the Carlow/

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 70

TM 3: To co-operate with the relevant safe movement of pedestrians. Currently transport bodies and authorities to cycling does not play a significant role as a secure improvements and further mode of transportation in Athy. A number of developments of the public transport development objectives set out in the plan system. will enhance the pedestrian and cycling environment for the enjoyment of Athy TM 4: To encourage public transport residents and visitors alike. usage by improving bus shelters and associated passenger facilities. The development of the Southern and Northern Distributor roads and the New TM 5: To encourage the implementation Town Centre Street will provide major and expansion of local bus services opportunities to develop pedestrian and to link key trip generators and cycling infrastructure in the town centre. This attractors in the town, particularly may provide the opportunity to develop a residential, employment, one-way system which would offer the educational and retail centres. potential to reallocate road space to footpaths and dedicated cyclist facilities. TM 6: To require that public transport set- down and pickup points are located It is the policy of the Council: such that the safety of passengers is maximised and the safety of road WC 1: To promote and encourage users is not endangered through the sustainable and environmentally creation of a traffic hazard friendly forms of transportation such as cycling and walking in TM 7: To facilitate the provision of taxi and accordance with national and hackney services and appropriately regional walking and cycling located parking in Athy. policies.

TM 8: To facilitate provision of a bus-bay WC 2: To increase priority for pedestrians and quality bus waiting area in the and cyclists at signalised junctions town centre and to encourage in Athy town centre. interchange between bus and rail services. WC 3: To provide for safer routes to schools within the town and to 7.4.3 Walking and Cycling encourage walking and cycling as suitable modes of transport as part In accordance with the principles of of the Green School Initiative sustainable development, this Plan aims to Programme and other local traffic promote walking and cycling as effective management improvements. modes of transport within the urban area. The Plan supports and encourages the WC 4: To facilitate and encourage cycling continued development of walking as a as a more convenient and safe sustainable form of transportation and the method of transport through an Council will work with organisations and integrated network of safe and groups in the promotion of safe walking convenient cycle and pedestrian throughout the town including routes throughout Athy. historic/heritage walks which are an important amenity and tourism resource. WC 5: To realise the potential of cycling Future developments should provide for the and walking routes along the Grand

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 71

Canal and . (Refer to WC13: To encourage the provision of Recreation and Amenity Chapter 11, secure bicycle parking facilities in Map 11.1) the town centre at public facilities such as schools, the library, the WC 6: To ensure the provision of cycle train station and in all new parking facilities in new developments in accordance with development schemes. the standards set out in the development management WC 7: To provide and seek the provision of standards in Chapter 15. secure cycle parking facilities at key areas in Athy town centre and to 7.5 Roads encourage and promote the use of cycling by employees, shoppers and The current road hierarchy comprises the visitors to the town. N78 which consists of the new link road from the M9 linking the WC 8: To traffic calm and environmentally town to Naas and Dublin to the east. It also enhance the regional / national travels thorough the town centre and on to routes leading into the town, to Kilkenny to the southwest. The R417 make them safer and more Monasterevin/Carlow bisects pedestrian and cyclist friendly in Athy in a north-south direction and connects conjunction with Kildare County the town to Monasterevin in the north and Council and other statutory bodies. Carlow in the south. The R428 regional road (Stradbally Road) enters the town from WC 9: To ensure that roads and footpaths Portlaoise in the west and the R418 enters are designed and constructed to from in the southeast. cater for the needs of the people Numerous county roads link the town to its with disabilities. hinterland.

WC 10: To provide footpath continuity at The N78 serves as the principal commercial appropriate locations to the Town thoroughfare and the principal vehicular boundary. route through the town. It is subject to frequent delays, which in the absence of WC 11: To improve existing lighting and further road infrastructure will pose an seek the provision of additional impediment to the future economic lighting facilities in Athy as funding development of Athy. becomes available. 7.5.1 Southern Distributor Road (SDR) WC 12: To carry out a feasibility study regarding the provision of a The route comprises an urban single boardwalk along Cromaboo Bridge. carriageway circa 3.2 km in length. The The scope of this report must have proposed Southern Distributor Road is regard to the design and impact of intended to divert through traffic away from the proposed boardwalk, having the town centre. This road will facilitate regard to the protected structure improved safety due to the removal of status of the bridge; it’s location vehicles from the existing N78 in the town within the ACA and the SAC status centre, especially heavy goods vehicles and of the River Barrow. will free up capacity for road users who want to avail of the facilities of town.

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 72

The secondary function of the Athy SDR is continues through the of to facilitate the orderly expansion of Athy Prusselstown and crosses the Noneen and increasing connectivity and allowing for the Clogorrow Bog rivers, crossing the main integration of different modes of transport. Waterford to Dublin Railway line, passing The proposed scheme will include through the Barrowford townland and pedestrian and cycle paths, additional crossing the R417 Monasterevin Road. The crossing points over the River Barrow, route crosses the River Barrow, the Grand Canal, railway line and will facilitate Cardington Road and the Grand Canal linkages between zoned land, the town adjacent to the Cardington Demense. centre and railway station linking the N78 Following this, the route crosses the R428 southwest of the town at Bennetsbridge to Stradbally Road and passes through the the N78 northeast of the town at Gallowshill. townland of Woodstock North and South. It From its commencement, there will be a then crosses the Ballintubbert Road after roundabout at the tie into the N78, Kilkenny Lennons Bridge to tie into the N78 South road southwest of the town. The proposed West of Athy town. route will run for part of the route along the line of the disused CIE rail line. It then A Route Selection Study has been carried crosses the River Barrow and the main out and a route corridor has been identified Dublin to Waterford rail line before tying into and is illustrated on the land use zoning Map the newly constructed N9/N10 link road 16.1. An Appropriate Assessment has not roundabout. been carried out to date.

An Appropriate Assessment of the Proposed 7.5.3 New Town Centre Street Athy Southern Distributor Road has been carried out. It concluded that once best The proposed street will be approximately 1 practice is followed throughout the km in length, running from the junction of construction of the proposed roadway, and Leinster Street and St. Michael’s Terrace as the recommended mitigation measures are far as Upper William Street. It will taken into consideration, it is considered that incorporate facilities for pedestrians and this development will not have a significant cyclists, a bridge over the River Barrow and negative impact upon the River a drop lock and bridge on the Grand Canal. Barrow/River Nore SAC and its habitats and species. In 1999 Shaffrey Associates prepared a report for the Planning Authority “Athy – 7.5.2 Northern Distributor Road (NDR) New Street Proposals 1999.” This Report contains recommendations on the The proposed NDR begins on the N78 at the development of the Athy Inner Relief Road junction with the Old Dump Road and will as a New Town Centre Street within Athy. require the realignment and upgrade of the existing road to the Bohernouca Crossroads. Similar recommendations are made in the Athy Traffic Management Plan prepared in The primary function of the proposed 2009 by WSP Ireland, it recognizes that this Northern Distributor Road is similar to that of link will function as a street and not as a the above mentioned Southern Relief Road, relief road as it was originally envisaged in once constructed it will help to reduce traffic the 1970’s. The development of Athy town congestion in the town centre whilst also centre in the intervening years between its linking up the various development and initial proposal and today has surpassed the zoned lands to the north of the town. It need for a Relief Road at this location; there is however significant benefits arising from

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 73

the construction of a street complete with b) Architecture 2009-2015 Towards River and Canal crossings along the a Sustainable Future: Delivering alignment of the route. Quality within the Built Environment (2009). This New Town Centre Street will contribute fundamentally to the connectivity of the town c) Manual for Streets published by and allow for significant improvements to be the Department of Transport, and made along the main street catering for Communities and Local pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic Government (England and Wales) appropriately. The development of this street (2007) and any new guidance/ will also provide opportunities to redevelop standards issued from the DoEHLG. the existing streetscape of Leinster Street and Duke Street and to develop between the 7.6 Parking New Town Centre Street and Duke Street, thus expanding the Town Centre function The Council aims to ensure that there is a and adding to the local economy. sufficient supply of parking spaces to support the town centre businesses and that 7.5.4 Distributor/Relief Roads these spaces are effectively managed. The

The primary function of Distributor Roads in Council’s approach to parking is therefore Athy is to divert through traffic away from the framed by the following aims: town centre and to improve the public realm, while also contributing to an efficient • To improve and enhance parking transport network in the town. facilities in the town, in order to relieve and prevent traffic congestion and It is the policy of the Council: generally enhance the amenity of the area. DR 1: To ensure that new distributor/relief roads are designed and constructed • To pursue a policy of access for those in a manner that will enable them to with limited mobility in terms of parking fulfill their functions. provision.

DR 2: To limit direct access onto • To promote off street parking as distributor/relief roads to a number opposed to on street parking. of strategically located junctions. Parking facilities, including parking for the DR 3: To continue the development of disabled will continue to be provided to proposed distributor/relief namely Development Plan standards in all the Northern and Southern roads. developments and car parking provision will be subject to the preparation of mobility DR 4: To require housing scheme roads to plans for employment development for over be provided in accordance with: 50 employees. Public car parks are available at a number of locations a) Sustainable Residential throughout the town providing for Development in Urban Areas (2009) approximately 586 parking spaces. There and accompanying Best Practice are approximately 424 private parking Design Manual (2009). spaces provided in the town. In total there

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 74

are approximately 1,0101 parking spaces in PK 5: To ensure that car parking is the town. generally provided in accordance with “Buildings for Everyone” 2002 The Council will continue to provide for published by the National Disability appropriate maintenance of public car Authority. parking and appropriate designing of accessible parking. As part of any proposals PK 6: To prepare a car parking strategy for the renewal of the public realm, for the town ensuring that there is a accessible facilities will be given high network of car parks at strategic priority. entry points to the town centre.

It is the policy of the Council: 7.7 Movement and Transport Objectives PK 1: To optimise the use of existing parking stock, and to provide, The objectives of the Council are outlined facilitate and regulate the provision below. Most of the objectives are to be of parking spaces conveniently implemented during the six year plan period. located to serve the various land However a number of longer term objectives uses. are also proposed.

PK 2: To seek to ensure that all new 7.7.1 General Movement and Transport private car parking facilities are Objectives provided to an appropriate standard, including the provision of public It is an objective of the Council: lighting, permanent surfacing and marking, the provision of adequate GO 1: To implement the recommendations circulation and aisle widths. of the Athy Traffic Management Plan, including the environmental PK 3: To manage the provision of on and traffic management street parking and to promote the improvements. provision of off-street car parks at edge-of-town centre locations and to GO 2: To prepare a traffic and public realm reduce on street parking in the town plan for Emily Square and to make centre. recommendations on the necessary improvements. PK 4: To require significant new industrial developments in the vicinity of Athy G0 3: To liaise with Kildare County to incorporate designated HGV Council on the possibility of parking areas.2 developing a central website containing information on public transport services and routes 1 Athy Traffic Management Plan and Parking available in Athy. Strategy 2009. This figure does not include the Railway Station GO 4: To assess the viability of diverting parking as this provides for commuter parking HGVs away from the town centre only and does not contribute to town centre parking. 2 Applicants are advised to consult with the development proposed requires designated HGV planning authority at pre-planning stage to parking areas. determine whether the size of the industrial

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 75

and consider the feasibility of It is an objective of the Council: providing localised parking centres for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). STO 1: To engage with service providers to regularise the number of bus stops GO 5: To support the improvement of and provide bus pull in bays and public transport services generally shelters along the main routes by reserving land in suitable thereby improving safety and traffic locations. flow.

GO 6: To improve road/street signage by STO 2: To encourage Iarnród Éireann, Bus undertaking a survey to assess Éireann and private companies to proliferation, gaps and quality in improve the frequency and quality of signage and to develop a policy for public transport facilities to, from the future provision of signage and within the town. within the town, including the location of parking facilities and key STO 3: To investigate the potential for a public buildings and attractions number of “park and walk” sites throughout the town. which would provide convenient pedestrian access to the town GO 7: To optimise use of the existing centre, as an alternative to providing parking stock, by increasing additional car parking within the turnover, by increasing occupancy town centre area. at under-utilised locations and to direct traffic to locations where STO 4: To continue the road and footpath spare capacity is available. improvements, which facilitate pedestrian safety at various GO 8: To consider the development of locations within the town centre, and multi-storey car parks and/basement in particular at the following car parks in the town. junctions:

GO 9: To require all proposed (a) N78 / Kirwans Lane developments to provide appropriate turning areas for (b) N78 / Church Road emergency and service vehicles. (c) N78 / Chapel Lane GO 10: To ensure all new developments are accessible to sustainable modes of (d) N78/ Meeting Lane transportation. (e) N78 / St John’s Lane GO 11: To identify car parks and other suitable locations for the provision of (f) N78 / Green Alley appropriate battery charging infrastructure for electrically (g) N78 / Nelson Street powered cars/vehicles as a means (h) Mount Hawkins / Chapel Lane by which the Council can assist in achieving a reduction in carbon (i) Kirwans Lane / Mount Hawkins emissions. (j) Woodstock Street / Barrack Lane 7.7.2 Sustainable Travel

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 76

STO 5: To investigate the pedestrianisation Assessment for the Northern of certain town centre routes once Distributor Road (NDR), the the New Town Centre Street is proposed land take, indicated on Map No 16.1 be amended to constructed. coincide with the proposed land take for the NDR. STO 6: To construct a pedestrian bridge over the River Barrow as RP 4: To support the construction of the appropriate to link schools, parks, New Town Centre Street and to co- playing fields and residential areas operate with Kildare County Council on both sides of the river, thereby in acquiring land to facilitate its providing safer routes to school. construction. The design of the This bridge will be constructed to proposed New Town Centre Street and bridge crossing shall have the specifications of all statutory regard to the potential impact on bodies. Emily Square and adjoining lands.

STO 7: To upgrade and construct RP 5: To complete road improvements to continuous walkways and cycle the Fortbarrington Road from ways along both sides of the River Blackparks to Ardrew. Barrow and Grand Canal, to provide attractive leisure routes and RP 6: To improve the junctions of the alternative routes to the town centre. R418 (Castledermot Road) with the N78. STO 8: To assist and encourage the development and expansion of rural RP 7: To improve the junction of the transport initiatives, in conjunction Kildare Road with the N78, having with other statutory and regard to the constraints of nearby development agencies. protected structures.

7.7.3 Roads Programme RP 8: To continue the construction of gateway features on the west-end of It is an objective of the Council: the N78 and to introduce gateway features on the eastern-end of the RP 1: To construct a Southern distributor N78 to alert drivers that they are road including a proposed link from entering an urban area. This will this route to the town centre via the include improved lighting, traffic train station and to preserve these calming measures, provision of routes free from development. This higher level of signage along with is a priority objective of this plan. road markings. (Refer to Land Use Zoning Map 16.1). RP 9: To carry out the improvement of the local road from Prusselstown Cross RP 2: To support the construction of a Roads to the N78 Dublin Road. Northern Distributor Road and until such time as construction RP 10: To ensure that adequate set back is commences to preserve the route provided adjacent to the four railway free from development. bridges in Athy to allow for the upgrading of the railway in RP 3: That following completion of the Detailed Design and Appropriate consultation with Iarnrod Eireann.

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 77

RP 11: To implement traffic calming and other associated measures on the R417 and R428 as part of new developments.

RP 12: To implement traffic calming measures on Stanhope Place and Mount Hawkins.

RP 13: To implement traffic calming measures on the N78 at the GAA club.

Draft Athy Development Plan 2012-2018 Chapter 7 78