COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 132

MOTION: Councillor F.N. Duffy

On page 104  Include additional Objectives:

1  Promote, provide and encourage the development of cycling and walking routes suitable for people of different generations and levels of fitness, to facilitate health and wellbeing by providing quality green space. Support awareness campaigns promoting the health benefits of walking and cycling.

2  Support, develop, protect, maintain, enhance and promote the development of regional and local network of trails in conjunction with the Irish Trails Strategy and the Walks Scheme in conjunction with the National Waymarked Ways Committee and other national programmes, designate and protect from inappropriate development walking routes and local waymarked Ways in partnership and local  tourism interests, adjoining local councils and the DoTT because of their  recreational and tourism potential.

3  Facilitate and promote the construction of cycleways and integrate these cycleways with the DTO cycling policy for the GDA (September 2006) as may be amended

4  Promote, facilitate, safeguard and encourage the development and expansion ofsafe cycling facilities and cycle routes (including adjoining counties). Support the continued development of cycle routes by identifying routes and by laying particular emphasis on those that link existing cycle routes and tourist destinations. Support and implement FI’s Strategy for the Development of Irish Cycle Tourism and liaise with the Sports Council, the NTA and other bodies in the development of cycling touring routes particularly in tourist areas and areas of high amenity, implement the relevant policies of the DoTT’s NCPF (2009) and the National cycleway Network scoping Study (2010) so that there is an integrated and coherent network. Support the development of the National Cycle Network and enhance and maintain these routes with better sign posting, lighting and road surfaces, including signing/lining and the use of coloured surfaces, separation from vehicular traffic, the provision of cycling maps and the promotion of looped routes.

5  Support the implementation of the DTO Cycle Policy.

6  Support the continuing development of the Dodder Greenway (Grand Canal to Bohernabreena) as part of the National East Coast Trail Cycle Route which will be progressed by in conjunction with South Dublin Council and in co-operation with other agencies, including the NTA.

7  Support, promote and actively encourage the development of greenways and walking and cycling routes( including  long distance routes) in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, IW, FI, NTA  and other stakeholders to provide linkages withtrails,particularly those with a historical association, inadjoining counties in partnership with their councils, the state, private and voluntary sectors.

 8  Support, improve and expand and upgrade Slí na Sláinte routes in consultation with community groups, local/regional tourism interestsand the DoTT and the HSE.A Table should be included.

9 Walking and Cycling will be promoted and encouraged by maintaining and enhancing existing facilities securing the development of a network of safe cycle routes and footpaths on existing roads, proposed roads and on new road improvement schemes and on routes reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclistsand linear parks.Provide, improve and extend the network of cycle lanes and pedestrian routes on existing roads, on all new regional, local distributor and local collector roads and on roads being up-graded, to create a safer, more convenient, pleasant and more user-friendly environment. Road safety will be improved by lowerspeed limits and priority over motorized transport. Ensure that the needs of walkers and cyclists are given full consideration in proposals to upgrade public roads. Provide/ extend lighting on footpaths on the outskirts of towns and villages (including, where appropriate, off-road routes and along public rights of way) in accordance with the best international standards with special consideration being given to anticipated volumes and by continually upgrading the condition of existing footpaths in all areas and provide controlled and uncontrolled crossings, where warranted, at all major crossings.  Advise other road users on the need for safe behaviour near pedestrians and cyclists.

10  Signpost and waymark Walking and Cycle Routes with appropriately designed quality signage so as to facilitate visitors.

11  Protect,promoteand facilitate the development ofexisting historic and other themed trails(including pilgrim paths andSli Mor), suitable walking routes, cycle tracks and bridle pathsand protect them from inappropriate development. Explore the feasibility of developing themas long distance walking routes in co-operation with the Irish Sports Council, FI and other local councils. Routes should be sign posted.

12 For the benefit of local people and visitors, support and encouragecycling and walking groupsto work in co-operation with local community groups Regional Tourism Authority and adjoining councils in the development, expansion, maintenance and enhancement of routes(including long distance walkingand cycle tourist routes, Sli na Slainte and heritage trails) to provide a network of walking routes and rural footpaths and improved access for mountaineering and hill walking.

13  Develop an overall Walking and Cycling Policy/Strategy within two years of the adoption of the Plan, in line with the emerging Government Strategy,  working in partnership with state, private and voluntary sector, walking clubs and community groups. The Strategy should list National Trails Network, Sli na Slainte, Pilgrim Paths and other defined walking trails and walking routes, disused roads, canals, river banks, and undertake to carry out a feasibility study to investigate the recreational use of these routes and the potential of establishing walking and cycling routes, maps showing walking and cycling routes.

14  Provide car parking  and/or lay-by for cyclists, hillwalkers and mountain climbers at (from your local knowledge name important locations) and other appropriate points to access amenities and scenic areas from 9am until dark.

15  Establish new Walkways and cycle routes on a legal and permanent basis.

16  Preserve, support and protect existing or potential walking routes(including local walks, long-distance walks and waymarked Ways) and cycleways byprohibiting the intrusionof development along these routes particularly those in scenic and high amenity areas  and along inland waterways. Take into account the impact of proposed development when considering applications for permission for developments in their vicinity in order to protect the integrity of these important recreational and tourism resources.

REPORT:

The proposed amendments incorporates a number of subject matters that are addressed via the Policy Objectives and Actions linked to to TM Policy 3 Walking and Cycling, and various other sections of the Draft Plan.  Issues relating to cycle networks, greenways, rural areas and local permeability are addressed in relation to Item 48036.  Other issues related to transport and mobility are addressed below.  Issues related to tourism, green infrastructure, landscape and public rights of way are addressed in relation to the relevant chapters of the Draft Plan.   

Design of Facilities

TM3 Objective 3 states:

‘To ensure that all streets and street networks are designed to prioritise the movement of pedestrians and cyclists within a safe and comfortable environment for a wide range of ages, abilities and journey types’

TM3 Objective 4 states:

‘To prioritise the upgrade of footpaths, lighting & public realm maintenance and supporting signage on public roads/paths where a demonstrated need exists for busy routes used by runners & walkers’

Several listed Actions of (TM) Policy 3 seek to ensure these objectives are achieved via the following: 

(TM) Policy 6 Road and Street Design also states that:

‘It is the policy of Council to ensure that streets and roads within the County are designed to balance the needs of place and movement, to provide a safe traffic-calmed street environment, particularly in sensitive areas and where vulnerable users are present’

This is further detailed within the Objectives listed under this Policy, namely:

‘TM6 Objective 1:

To appropriately apply speed limits taking into account the characteristics of the surrounding area, the design of the street environment and the presence of vulnerable users’

‘TM6 Objective 2:

 To ensure that all streets and street networks are designed to passively calm traffic through the creation of a self-regulating street environment’

And the following Actions

These Actions are further detailed in Section 6.4.3(I) – Design of Streets and Roads in Urban Areas and Section 6.4.3(II) – Special Speed Limits.  The application of these National Guidelines within the County will ensure that streets are designed to place an emphasis on slow modes of transport, provide for reduced traffic speeds and create a safer environment for vulnerable users.

The Polices, Policy Objectives and Actions provide a robust framework for the development of a safe network of pedestrian and cycle facilities. 

The NTA has also requested that reference be made to the National Cycle Manual (NCM) under (TM) Policy 6 Road and Street Design.  The NCM will be of relevance where cycle facilities exist or are proposed. 

Car Parking

Section 11.4.2 - Car Parking Standard outlines the parking requirement for associated land uses.  There is no specific requirement for parking at access points to walking trails, nor is there any know national standards to guide such measures.  Such issues would be looked at on a case by case (if required).  Any proposed facilities would also be subject to an environmental appraisal, particularly in sensitive areas.  The requirement for such facilities can be noted within Section 11.4.2 of the Plan.

It is acknowledged that the proposed amendment is meritorious, however as demonstrated above, the proposed amendment would result in a significant degree of duplication within the Development Plan.   The proposed wording contained in the subject motion is also protracted and difficult to decipher and as such is not consistent with policy contained with ‘Taking Steps to be a Literacy Friendly Local Authority’ (SDCC and National Adult Literacy Agency, 2012) in relation to the use of simple, plain and clear language that is literacy friendly. This may lead to difficulties and confusion in the application of the Plan and therefore the proposed wording cannot be supported.

Recommendation­

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment:

That Section 11.4.2 note that Council will also seek to provide car parking and/or lay-by for cyclists, hillwalkers and mountain climbers at access points to walking/cycling trails in scenic areas.