Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport (Formerly Chapter 6)

 

Note: The Material Alterations include a new Chapter 7 Sustainable Mobility and Transport, replacing and comprising a restructuring of the Draft Plan Chapter No. 6 Sustainable Mobility and Transport.

 

MA No.	Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport - Material Alterations	Section/ Policy/ Objective etc.	Submission No.s/ Elected Member Amendment No.
53	Replace Chapter 6 Sustainable Mobility and Transport of the Draft Plan with a new restructured Chapter 7 Sustainability Mobility and Transport, as a response to submissions received during the public consultation process.   Sections, policies, objectives, tables, figures and map numbering etc. have also been revised to correspond with this alteration. New text is included in green while text deletions are struck through in red.   Refer to new Chapter 7 Sustainable Mobility and Transport below.	New Chapter 7	44, 70, 86, 87, 97, 145, 146, 153, 158, 160, 225, 244, 247, 249   40 - Cllr. Sasa Novak Ui Chonchuir

Chapter 7 6: Sustainable Mobility and Transport

76.1 Introduction

This chapter will set out the Council’s strategy to provide an effective, sustainable and accessible transport system. A functional and effective transport network is fundamental to the creation of a compact and connected place. The NPF and RSES seek to reduce dependency on the private car and secure a shift towards sustainable modes of transport, including walking, cycling and public transport.  

During the lifetime of the Draft Plan, the Council will strengthen the links between land use and transportation planning and will seek to promote sustainable transport, through the management of the road network in Limerick, by providing attractive, inclusive and connected walking and cycling networks, improving permeability within settlements, supporting car-share facilities and the use of electric vehicles and securing investment in public transport. It is anticipated that all of these combined measures will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, create more attractive environments and help transition Limerick to a low carbon and climate resilient society.

The overall policy approach seeks to integrate land use and transport policies to achieve the delivery of a high quality, climate resilient and sustainable transport networks for Limerick, which is supported by appropriate objectives. Planning policy needs to look beyond catering for car dominated road space.  It needs to utilise the ‘Avoid – Shift – Improve’ approach to integrating land use and transport planning.  Focus will be on the reduction in the need for people to travel, the development of 10 minute cities and towns, where people live close to their workplace, community facilities and services. Therefore, creating a shift to more sustainable transport modes, enhanced walking and cycling facilities and by improving energy efficiency of our transport, reducing our carbon footprint. 

 

76.2 National and Regional Planning

The NPF and RSES sets out the overarching policy for the integration of land use and transport policy, which seeks to deliver compact growth and sustainable mobility, as a means to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a low carbon economy. The NPF has a strong emphasis on sustainable mobility, with a focus on the transition to more sustainable modes of travel, such as walking, cycling and increased use of public transport, it also highlights the need for electrification of public transport fleets and to significantly increase the use of electric vehicles. The RSES seeks to support the transition to a low carbon society, through modal shift from carbon heavy transport to more sustainable transport modes of travel.

 

76.2.1 Climate Action Plan 2021 2019 

The Climate Action Plan identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for reduction in carbon emissions and a pathway towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.  A priority of the Action Plan is tackling emissions from the transport sector, which accounted for almost 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gases in 2017.

In order to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases, the Government’s approach to reducing emissions from the transport sector is to adopt policies, to influence both the transport intensity of growth and the carbon intensity of travel.

 

76.2.2 National Guidance

The policies and objectives of the Draft Plan shall be informed by the following National and Regional guidance and policies:

• The National Climate Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaptation Framework;
• Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016 – 2021;
• National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP);
• Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, 2018;
• Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022;
• Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, 2019;
• 2020 DMURS Interim Advice Note – Covid -19 Pandemic Response;
• Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future: A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 – 2020 and any subsequent updates;
• Smarter Travel - National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020 and any subsequent updates;
• Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Transport Sector;
• The National Cycle Manual (NTA, 2011);
• Spatial Planning and National Roads-Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2012).
• Whole of Government’ National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2022

 

The Department of Transport is currently developing its new high-level strategic framework for prioritising future investment in the land transport network. Underpinned by the National Strategic Objectives, the transport strategy establishes high-level investment priorities to address key transport challenges and to ensure that transport investment is aligned with and supports Government’s overarching spatial and climate change objectives, as articulated in the National Planning Framework and Climate Action Plan.

 

In addition, the Department of Transport’s Five Cities Demand Management Study identifies transport demand drivers, and assesses the suitability of measures to reduce demand in Ireland’s five largest urban centres—Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. The study looks at international best practice and examines measures to assess impact in reducing emissions, tackling congestion, improving air quality, and improving the overall urban environment of the five cities. The Strategy provides a focused and evidence-based approach to addressing the carbon, congestion and air quality challenges facing Irish Cities.

 

Policy TR P1 - National Investment Framework for Transport Investment - It is an objective of the Council to support the implementation of the Department of Transport’s National Investment Framework for Transport Investment. 

 

Policy TR P2 - Five Cities Demand Management Study - It is an objective of the Council to support the recommendations of the Department of Transport’s Five Cities Demand Management Study. 

 

76.3 Integration of Land Use and Transport Planning

Policy TR P3 P1 - Integration of Land Use and Transport Policies - It is a policy of the Council to support and facilitate the integration of land use and transportation policies, to ensure the delivery of sustainable compact settlements, which are served by sustainable modes of transport.

 

The integration of land use and transportation is a fundamental principle of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region. In shaping the pattern of development and influencing the location, scale, density, design and mix of land-uses, the integration of land-use and transportation can help reduce the need to travel and facilitate sustainable development.

 

Rebalancing the transport system towards walking, cycling and public transport, including ensuring high quality interchanges between modes, will require sustained investment, including improving street environments to make walking and cycling safer and more attractive and providing enhanced public transport services to ensure that alternatives to the car are accessible, affordable and appealing. Consolidation of development in appropriate locations is fundamental to ensure that development can be well served by sustainable modes of travel, including public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure.

 

Limerick comprises a significant rural based population and as such, the Council acknowledges that some essential travel will continue to be made by cars and goods vehicles.  The Draft Plan will also facilitate improvement in road infrastructure to cater for these movements. In line with national policy, it is accepted that, in the longer term, the population of the towns and villages will increase with the potential for reduced car dependency particularly, for shorter journeys.

 

Policy TR P4 P2 - Promotion of Sustainable Patterns of Transport Use - It is a policy of the Council to seek to implement in a positive manner, in cooperation with other relevant authorities and agencies, the policies of the NPF, RSES and the Department of Transport’s Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009 – 2020 (and any subsequent updates), to encourage more sustainable patterns of travel and greater use of sustainable forms of transport, including public transport, cycling and walking.

 

 

Policy TR P5 P3 - Sustainable Mobility and Regional Accessibility - It is a policy of the Council to support sustainable mobility, enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity within Limerick, in accordance with the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region.

 

76.4 Key Enablers for Growth in Limerick

The NPF, NDP and RSES identifies a number of key enablers to support the growth of Limerick which will enhance connectivity within Limerick and benefit the wider region.

 

Policy TR P6 P4 - Delivery of Transport Infrastructure in line with National Policy - It is a policy of the Council to support the delivery of transport infrastructure identified within the National Planning Framework, National Development Plan 2021 -2030 2018 – 2027 (and any update) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region and to support enhanced connectivity within Limerick and inter-urban connectivity within the regions.

 

A number of transport projects, both road infrastructure and sustainable transport improvements are considered key enablers for the successful economic, social and sustainable growth of Limerick as outlined in the RSES.  Whilst the Draft Plan supports the rebalancing of the transport system towards more sustainable modes of transport, it is recognised that the road network maintains a critical position in the economic growth of Limerick to allow for the movement of people, goods, services and freight on a well-connected and accessible road network. Key projects which are critical to enabling the sustainable mobility and economic growth in Limerick include: 

• Delivery of the full BusConnects programme (inclusive of ticketing systems, bus corridors, additional capacity, new bus stops and bus shelters) for the Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty Metropolitan Area;
• Development of a Park and Ride programme for Limerick, linked with BusConnects Programme;
• Delivery of a comprehensive cycling and walking network for Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty Metropolitan Area;
• N/M20 Cork to Limerick Scheme, which is key to the delivery of improved connectivity between the urban centres and the wider region;  
• Foynes to Limerick (including Adare Bypass) Road, which will link the port of Foynes with the M7/N18 at Limerick and enhance regional and international connectivity;  
• N21 Newcastle West and N21 Abbeyfeale Road Scheme – key projects in enhancing regional connectivity with the South West Region and alleviating congestion in both Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale;  
• N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction - Current Constraints Study Area (CSA) extends into the Limerick administrative area (North of Oola and Brookes bridge);
• Limerick Northern Distributor Road - improving accessibility to the City from County Clare, relieving pressure on the existing river crossings in the City Centre and providing significant improvement in connectivity between different areas along the northern fringe of the City;
• O’Connell Street Improvement Works – Provision of enhanced public realm, widened footpaths and segregated cycle ways on Limerick’s main thoroughfare, as well as facilitating future transport mode needs in accordance with the requirements of LSMATS. 

 

Objectives in support of road projects identified as key growth enablers are outlined in Section 7.8 Strategic Roads Infrastructure.

 

76.5 Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable mobility relates to the movement of people and goods in a manner, which enhances ease of movement and a better quality of life for all and seeks to create a modal shift in favour of more active modes of travel. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on more sustainable modes of transport, in order to mitigate against the potential impacts of climate change and to remove congestion from our cities, towns and villages and make them more attractive places to live, work and relax. This requires increased priority for cycling, walking, car share/carpooling and public transport infrastructure and a greater uptake in the use of cleaner greener vehicles.

 

The Department of Transport is carrying out a review of sustainable mobility policy, which will deliver on the ambitions of the new Programme for Government replacing the existing 2009 policy document Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020 and the National Cycle Policy Framework.  The new policy will be closely aligned with the national strategic outcomes of Project Ireland 2040, will support the actions in the Climate Action Plan and will also consider the impacts of COVID-19. The promotion of use and increased delivery of sustainable modes of transport is fundamental to achieving Ireland’s carbon emission reduction requirements of 51% 30% by 2030.

 

Policy TR P7 P5 - Sustainable Travel and Transport - It is a policy of the Council to support, facilitate and co-operate with relevant agencies to secure sustainable travel within Limerick and seek to implement the 10 minute city/town concept, promote compact growth and reduce the need for long distance travel, as a means to reduce the impact of climate change.

 

Objective TR O1 O9 - Climate Proofed Transport Infrastructure - It is an objective of the Council to ensure that all future and retrofitted transport infrastructure is climate proofed, through design and construction, to function in a climate altered future and would, where possible, be multifunctional e.g. provide accessible routes for other services such as fibre optics or water, energy connections or other services and technologies that might come about during the lifetime of the infrastructure.

 

Objective TR O2 - Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets - It is an objective of the Council to support the appropriate road design standards of all roads and streets within the urban areas, including suburbs, towns and villages within the 60 km/h zone shall be as per the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.

 

Objective TR O3 O10 - Delivery and Servicing Strategy - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)         Reduce the amount of ‘last mile trips’ being made by motorised vehicles;

b)         Facilitate the transition to zero-emission delivery vehicles such as cargo bikes, solar powered and electric vehicles; and

c)         Support local ‘Click and Collect’ facilities where appropriate to minimise trips to individual homes and workplaces.

 

A universal design approach, in line with the ‘Whole of Government’ National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2022 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) will insure high-quality, accessible and permeable transport links are incorporated into all urban public realm designs.

 

Objective TR O4 O11 - Universal Design - It is an objective of the Council to ensure that all transport schemes incorporate high-quality urban realm design that is attractive, safe, comfortable and accessible for all individuals.     

 

The National Transport Authority in conjunction with Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council have prepared a Draft Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATs), which is currently undergoing review and will proceed to further public consultation in the summer of 2021. The Draft LSMATS will set out an integrated and balanced sustainable transport strategy for the Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area and will address all travel modes including walking, cycling, road, bus and rail.

 

Objective TR O5 O12 - Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy – It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the implementation and delivery of the proposals that will be contained in the final Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Clare County Council and other relevant stakeholders to achieve successful integration between land use and transport planning and targeted growth along high quality public transport corridors and sustainable higher densities.  

 

The Council will continue to play an important role in the development of an efficient transport system and in planning for the future transport needs of Limerick. In pursuing the objective of encouraging modal shift, the Council will co-operate closely with other relevant agencies and stakeholders, including the NTA.

 

The Council aims to deliver infrastructure and public realm projects required to significantly increase levels of walking, cycling and public transport use throughout Limerick, making it more accessible, inclusive, safe and welcoming to all.

The RSES includes policy objectives requiring the preparation of Local Transport Plans in selected settlements in the region, including Newcastle West, which is identified as a key town.

 

Policy TR P8 P6 - Local Transport Plans - It is a policy of the Council to prepare a Local Transport Plan (LTP), Mobility and Public Realm Plan for the Key Town of Newcastle West, in consultation with the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other relevant stakeholders, as part of the of the Local Area Plan process and for other settlements as deemed necessary.

 

Local Transport Plans will include an analysis of transport flows, movements and investment priorities that will support more sustainable modes of transport.

 

7.5.1 Avoid-Shift-Improve (A-S-I) Concept

The Avoid-Shift-Improve (A-S-I) approach to transport planning seeks to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gases, reduced energy consumption, less congestion and enabling more liveable environments by creating alternative mobility solutions and developing sustainable transport systems.  The ‘avoid’ means reducing the need for travel by integrating land use and transport planning, creating an environment where the need to travel and trip length is reduced.  The ‘shift’ means moving away from energy consuming transport modes to more sustainable transport. The ‘improve’ means improving the efficiency of transport modes including energy efficiency and enhance the attractiveness of public transport.  The Draft Plan focuses on integrating land use and transportation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the transition to a low carbon society, promotion of the 10-minute town/neighbourhood and the move towards sustainable transport options with the implementation of both infrastructure and behavioural change measures.  Table 7.1 below outlines the Draft Plan’s Policies and Objectives which support the A-S-I Concept. 

	Table 76.1 Avoid-Shift-Improve – Integrated Land use and Transport Policy
	Avoid	Shift	Improve
Policy/ Objective	Policy CGR P1: Compact Growth and Revitalisation Objective SCSI 04: 10 - Minute Neighbourhood Objective ECON O41: Home Working/E-Working Policy TR P3: Integration of Land Use and Transport Policies Objective ECON O1: City Centre Objective SCSI O8: Place-making for the Community	Policy TR P4: Promotion of Sustainable Patterns of Transport Use Policy TR P5: Sustainable Mobility and Regional Accessibility Policy TR P2: Five Cities Strategy Objective SCSI O21: Improve Open Space Provision Objective ECON O5: Local/Neighbourhood Centres Objectives Objective ECON O3: District Centres Objective TR O5: Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy Objective TR O8: Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Objective TR O9: Limerick Cycle Network Policy TR P9: Sustainable Transport in Rural Areas Objective TR O13: Core Bus Corridors Policy TR P10: Rural Transport Objective TR O25 Inter-City, Regional, Commuter Service Objective TR O26 Bus Transport Infrastructure Objective TR O20 Car Clubs/Carshare Objective TR O6: Delivering Modal Split Objective TR O23: Mobility Management Objective TR O24: Area Wide Mobility Management Planning/Networks Objective TR O7: Behavioural Change Measures Objective TR O10: Limerick Regeneration Areas Sustainable Travel Infrastructure Objective TR O45: Industrial and Enterprise and Employment lands adjacent to Junction 2, Dock Road Objective CGR O3: Place-making, Universal Design and Public Realm	Objective TR O9: Limerick Cycle Network Objective TR O8: Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Objective TR O12: Limerick BusConnects Programme Objective TR O11: Enhanced Public Transport Objective TR O13: Core Bus Corridors Objective TR O15: Transport Interchange Objective TR O16: Rail Network Objective TR O18: Park and Ride Facilities Objective TR O19: Park and Stride Facilities Objective TR O21: Electric and Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles Objective TR O27: Shannon Airport Policy TR P9: Sustainable Transport in Rural Areas Policy TR P7: Sustainable Travel and Transport Objective TR O1: Climate Proofed Transport Infrastructure Objective TR O3: Delivery and Servicing Strategy Objective TR O4: Universal Design Objective TR O49: Car and Cycle Parking Objective TR O42: Roads and Streets

76.5.2 Promoting Active Travel

The term ‘active travel’ has been defined by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport as ‘travelling with a purpose using your own energy’. Generally, this means walking (including all users of footpaths) or cycling as part of a purposeful journey.

 

Active travel is a concept of travel that includes only those forms of transport that require using your own energy to travel.  This includes walking, cycling or other non-motorised wheel based transport modes for purposeful travel rather than for leisure reasons.  Active travel is usually focused on shorter trips as a natural choice for every day journeys such as to school, work, social or shopping.  There are many positive health, environmental and economic benefits from participating in active travel including reduced road congestion, improved air quality, addressing climate change, increased access to employment and reduced social exclusion.

 

Following the announcement of significant funding by the Department of Transport, a new Limerick Active Travel unit has been established within Limerick City and County Council. The Council is committed to supporting active travel measures including the investment in sustainable infrastructure to better connect communities creating new walking and cycling links and reducing the physical barriers that currently exist. Redesigning our streets to prioritise walking, cycling and other non-motorised wheel-based modes is just one crucial aspect of enabling and creating a modal shift from the private car, we also need to support individual citizens to make the switch to active travel through behavioural change projects and support initiatives. 

 

A key priority for the Draft Plan is the development of a sustainable transport system, promoting measures to increase the use of public transport, while also increasing the mode share for walking, cycling and car share/pool schemes in the City, towns and villages across Limerick. A transition towards more sustainable modes of transport is essential to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions and reach the Government’s goal of a 51% 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 2050. In order to achieve more sustainable travel patterns, a significant focus on reducing car dependency and increasing permeability is required. One of the main focus areas is to achieve a modal transfer from short duration car mode trips to more active and public transport modes. More focused investment (be it infrastructure or behavioral change measures) on increasing walking and cycling for short trips is required to increase uptake of sustainable transport options and in doing so, reducing car mode share.   

  

7.5.3 Promoting Modal Split 

To ensure the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Development Plan in relation to sustainable mobility and transport, it is important to first look at where Limerick is with regards to existing baseline modal split. Analysis of POWSCAR data for Limerick shows the obvious imbalance of our transport system to the private car for all trips.  It also presents where opportunities exist for movements to more sustainable and active transport options.  A full breakdown of baseline modal split is provided in Table 7.2.  There is significant scope to achieve modal shift to sustainable modes of transport. In particular, there are opportunities to convert many of the shorter journeys (under 2km) from the private car to walking and cycling.

  

On analysis of POWSCAR trip data for education and work-based travel, the following travel patterns were established: 

• The most popular means of travel for those living in Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty was by car (44%) which increased to 64% for those travelling for work purposes only.  
• 37% of those living in Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty travelling for work purposes are travelling within six minutes of their workplace (15,424 people); 22% use walking as their primary mode for work and school (16% to work, 33% educational) and 4% are travelling by bike (4% to work, 3% for educational purposes).  
• The most popular means of travel for Newcastle West was by car (52%), however, 56% of those commuting for work purposes are within a 7-minute journey time of their workplace; 476 people living in Newcastle West are within a 4-minute drive of their workplace. 14% of workplace/educational trips were made by walking.  This increased to 24% for education purpose trips only. 
• The most popular means of travel for those living outside Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty is by car at 54%, but this increases to 80% for work purposes only. The total number of those who travel by walking for work and/or school purposes is 7% (Work (4%), Education (12%)). Trips taken by bike are at 1% for both education and work purposes.  

  

Table 7.2: Baseline Mode Share 

Baseline Mode Share (%) for Commuting to Work/Educational Purposes
Settlement		Walk	Cycle	Public Transport	Car
Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty		22	4	8	44
	Work Trips1	16	4	16	64
	Edu Trips2	33	3	13	8
Newcastle West		14	1	4	52
	Work Trips1	9	1	1	73
	Edu Trips2	24	1	11	56
Settlement Levels 3-6 /Rural Areas		7	1	8	54
	Work Trips1	4	1	1	80
	Edu Trips2	12	1	19	57

¹ Mode share data – % of total work purpose trips

² Mode share data – % of total educational purpose trips

Table 7.3 provides the 2028 mode share target for commuting to work and education and includes walking/cycling/public transport mode share targets for the LSMATS study area, Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty, Newcastle West and the remainder of the County.  Following consultation with the National Transport Authority, both work and school trips have been considered for both baseline and modal share targets.  Based on existing scenarios and in line with LSMATS, the Council are confident that the targeted modal shift is achievable. It is noted that the target audience is not just workplace and educational based travel but all transport associated travel. 

  

POWSCAR modal split data is the most robust data available and is shown in Table 7.3 below.  The majority of people driving to work travel relatively short distances. This group will offer the greatest potential for modal shift, as these journeys can be most easily shifted to walking and cycling. 

  

Table 7.3: Target Mode Share 

LSMA Mode Share Targets (%) for Commuting to Work/Educational Purposes
Settlement	Walk		Cycle
	2040	2028	2040	2028
Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Study Area	35	15-20	15-20	7-10
Mode Share Targets(%) for Commuting to Work/Educational Purposes (2028)
Settlement	Walk		Cycle		Public Transport
Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty (All Work/Education Trips)	30%		10%		14%
Newcastle West  (All Work/Education Trips)	20%		5%		7%
Settlement Levels 3-6/Rural Areas  (All Work/Education Trips)	15%		5%		12%

The data confirms and highlights the challenges facing Limerick, in both the urban and rural context, with regard to promoting a modal shift away from the private car. The Draft Plan will strive to reduce the reliance on the private car, by promoting and facilitating more sustainable modes of transport and supporting development in locations, which can support compact growth. In facilitating the delivery of the objectives of the final LSMATS and in pursuing the objective of encouraging modal shift, the Council will co-operate closely with other relevant agencies and stakeholders, including the NTA and TII. 

 

The Draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy sets out a number of key outcomes for walking, cycling and public transport in Limerick. A 2.1% increase in walking, 2.1% increase in cycling and 5.1% increase in public transport use are sought by 2040. The Council will seek to deliver on the targets identified in the Draft LSMATS for all urban areas within Limerick. 

 

Objective TR O6  O13 - Delivering Modal Split - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)    Promote a modal shift away from the private car towards more sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling, carpool and public transport in conjunction with the relevant transport authorities;

 

b)    Support investment in sustainable transport infrastructure that will make walking, cycling, carpool and public transport more attractive, appealing and accessible for all. 

 

Objective TR O7 O30 - Behavioural Change Measures - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)    Continue to implement behavioural change initiatives and ‘softer measures’ aimed at enabling and promoting sustainable travel across Limerick’s workplaces, campuses, schools and communities as identified in LSMATS;

b)    Facilitate and implement school streets and school zones, including slow zones around schools, park and stride facilities and promote and facilitate active travel            options for school children to reduce the health and safety risks associated with traffic congestion, pollution and inactive lifestyles.

 

A key priority for the Draft Plan is the development of a sustainable transport system, promoting measures to increase the use of public transport, while also increasing the modal share for walking, cycling and car share/pool schemes in the City, towns and villages across Limerick. A transition towards more sustainable modes of transport is essential to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions and reach the Government’s goal of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

 

In order to achieve more sustainable travel patterns, a significant focus on reducing car dependency and increasing permeability is required. The 2016 Census demonstrates that the private car is the most common mode of transport for commuters in Limerick. There is significant scope to achieve modal shift to sustainable modes of transport. In particular, there are opportunities to convert many of the shorter journeys (under 2km) from the private car to walking and cycling. 

 

Recent trends throughout Limerick identify a dependency on car travel, particularly over short journeys. The chart below identified all journeys undertaken to work or school within 2km of home.

 

Figure 6.2 – Trip Length and Mode of Travel to Work in Limerick

Source: CSO 2016

 

Figure 6.3 – Journeys to Education of less than 2km by mode of travel [1]

Source: CSO 2016

 

The data confirms and highlights the challenges facing Limerick, in both the urban and rural context, with regard to promoting a modal shift away from the private car. The Draft Plan will strive to reduce the reliance on the private car, by promoting and facilitating more sustainable modes of transport and supporting development in locations, which can support compact growth.

 

In facilitating the delivery of the objectives of the final LSMATS and in pursuing the objective of encouraging modal shift, the Council will co-operate closely with other relevant agencies and stakeholders, including the NTA and TII.

 

Objective TR O13 - Delivering Modal Split - It is an objective of the Council to:

1. Promote a modal shift away from the private car towards more sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling, carpool and public transport in conjunction with the relevant transport authorities;
2. Support investment in sustainable transport infrastructure that will make walking, cycling, carpool and public transport more attractive, appealing and accessible for all. 

 

The Draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy sets out a number of key outcomes for walking, cycling and public transport in Limerick. A 2.1% increase in walking, 2.1% increase in cycling and 5.1% increase in public transport use are sought by 2040. The Council will seek to deliver on the targets identified in the Draft LSMATS for all urban areas within Limerick.

 

76.5.4 Walking and Cycling

Walking and cycling are the most sustainable forms of transport, they assist with climate change mitigation and are important for promoting healthy communities. The creation of safe, inclusive and attractive spaces to walk around is fundamental to achieve good place-making. The Council is committed to ensuring that the physical environment in Limerick is accessible to all.

 

The Council will support the delivery of a programme of public realm improvements, designed to create attractive places that encourage economic and social activity, improve conditions for pedestrians and make walking a safer, healthier, quicker, more direct and more attractive form of travel.

 

The Council will promote walking through improvements to pedestrian routes, streets and public spaces, by giving greater priority to pedestrians in the use of road space and increasing permeability where possible. Improvements will include appropriate traffic management measures and improvements to signage and way-finding.

 

In order to enhance the convenience and attractiveness of cycling, routes need to be continuous and direct to facilities, places of work and interchanges. The Council will continue to develop a network of high quality, continuous cycle routes throughout the City and County, improve the permeability of the road network for cyclists and create a more cycle friendly environment, through reducing the volume and speed of motorised traffic.

 

76.5.4.1 Walking and Cycling Infrastructure

The Council will continue the roll out of active travel initiatives across Limerick, including promoting and facilitating safe walking and cycling. The installation of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, together with roadway re-design, where necessary, will assist in encouraging active travel and thereby achieve modal shift.

 

The Council will seek to deliver improved pedestrian linkages within the Limerick Metropolitan City Areas and towns/villages, including the provision of improved pedestrian facilities at junctions and improved footpath width and quality, where required and subject to resources.

 

Objective TR O8 O14 - Walking and Cycling Infrastructure - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)    Improve and provide clear, safe and direct pedestrian linkages, cycle networks as identified in the final Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, including the greenways and primary segregated cycle routes, between the employment zones, shopping areas and residential areas throughout Limerick;

b)    Maintain and expand the pedestrian route network, infrastructure and where possible retrofit cycle and pedestrian routes into the existing urban road network, to provide for accessible safe pedestrian routes within Limerick.

 

Objective TR O9 O15 - Limerick Cycle Network - It is an objective of the Council to implement in full, the Cycle Network, which will be set out in the final LSMATS, with priority given in the short term to delivering the primary cycle network and cycle routes serving schools.

 

The design of the pedestrian and cycle networks will be informed by the four core principles of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, which are connected networks, multifunctional streets, pedestrian focus and a multi-disciplinary approach.

 

76.5.4.2 Limerick Regeneration Areas

Limerick’s Regeneration Areas of Southill, Moyross, St. Mary’s Park and Ballincurra Weston have the lowest car ownership across Limerick, in tandem with experiencing physical transport disadvantages. Sustainable mobility, connectivity and permeability has an important role to play in overcoming geographic isolation, severance and in creating a non-hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The Draft Plan will support LSMATS in the identification and delivery of improved walking and cycling infrastructure and improvements to the public transport network across the Regeneration Areas based on the measures identified in the Limerick Regeneration Framework Plan.

 

Objective TR O10 O16 - Limerick Regeneration Areas Sustainable Travel Infrastructure - It is an objective of the Council to support LSMATS in the identification and delivery of improvements to walking/cycling infrastructure and improvements to public transport, based on those measures identified in the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan. 

 

76.5.5 Public Transport

Public transport in Limerick consists of bus, rail, rural transport services and taxi services. There are local services that provide connections between settlements within Limerick and regional services that provide connections to the wider region and beyond.

Throughout the lifetime of the Draft Plan, the Council will continue to engage with the NTA in seeking to improve transport services and infrastructure throughout Limerick.

 

Objective TR O11 O17 - Enhanced Public Transport - It is an objective of the Council to support and encourage public transport providers to enhance the provision of public transportation and frequency of services in Limerick, including the provision of enhanced accessibility from the City Centre to Shannon Airport.

 

The Council will support increased population, employment and educational densities in accessible centres and along public transport corridors and will seek to ensure that lands required for the development of planned public transport facilities (transport corridors) and interchanges are safeguarded from development.

 

76.5.6 Bus Network

The NPF identifies the provision of a citywide public transport network as a key enabler for Limerick. This aim is consistent with the Climate Action Plan , NPF and RSES, which envisage a significantly enhanced bus service in Limerick by 2027. The provision of a citywide public transport network in Limerick has the potential to provide the capacity needed to move large volumes of people, who travel to work, education, shops and leisure facilities around the city and suburbs each day. BusConnects Limerick will provide a reliable, high-frequency public transport service to improve connectivity within Limerick City and Environs, Mungret and Annacotty. The enhanced BusConnects proposal represents a significant upgrade on the existing system and will comprise of a more comprehensive network, bus priority and new upgraded fleet. It will serve all key destinations and provide an interchange with the rail network and proposed Park and Ride services.

 

Objective TR O18 Protect Existing Bus Services It is an objective of the Council to support the operation of bus services, by facilitating the provision of improved facilities and services for bus users in Limerick, including the provision of set down areas for coaches and bus shelters at bus stops, where feasible.

 

Objective TR O19 Bus Lanes/Quality Bus Corridors It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support and facilitate implementation of an integrated, multi modal and accessible public transport network, catering for all members of society across the Metropolitan Area, including a future BusConnects Limerick programme and investment in the rail network that will be identified in the LSMATS; b) Safeguard the proposed quality bus corridors from inappropriate development and ensure adequate set back is maintained to facilitate the implementation of the programme, in consultation with the Local Authority.

 

Objective TR O12 - Limerick BusConnects Programme - It is an objective of the Council to  support the implementation of the Limerick BusConnects programme including the following:  

a)    An improved Metropolitan Bus Service Network which will deliver a step change in the quality of the bus service across the City and suburbs;   

b)    A programme of Core Bus Corridors, which will seek to provide end-to-end full bus priority on key bus routes via measures such as new bus lanes, bus gates and bus priority signals, in order to ensure that bus services are no longer subject to traffic congestion impacts in Limerick, with the following corridors a priority:   

•      from the M7/Dublin Road junction to the City Centre;   
•      from Mungret, Raheen and Dooradoyle to the City Centre;   
•      on the Ennis Road to the City Centre;   
•      on the Ballysimon Road from the proposed Park and Ride site to the City Centre and on Childers Road between Parkway Roundabout and Ballinacurra Road;   

c)  To provide for further bus priority measures on radial routes into the City Centre, as identified by the NTA and Limerick City and County Council as part of BusConnects Limerick;  

d)    To provide for bus priority measures through the development site to the rear of Colbert Station, as part of an emerging masterplan to be agreed between the NTA, Limerick City and County Council, the landowner, and other stakeholders;   

e)  To provide for bus priority through Limerick City Centre linking the Dublin Road Bus Corridor to the Raheen/Dooradoyle corridor, with a preference for O’Connell Street as the most direct route into the centre, delivering passengers as close as possible to their destinations;   

f)  To increase the capacity of Sarsfield Bridge by reallocating the carriageway to the movement of buses, cyclists, pedestrians and taxis;   

g)    To carry out any minor works required to facilitate additional and altered service patterns arising out of a review of the service network under BusConnects Limerick.

 

Objective TR O13 - Core Bus Corridors - It is an objective of the Council to safeguard the proposed Core Bus Corridors from inappropriate development and ensure adequate set back is maintained to facilitate the implementation of the programme, in consultation with the NTA.

 

Objective TR O14 - Management of Coaches - It is an objective of the Council to prepare a strategy for the management of coaches in collaboration with the National Transport Authority.

 

The final bus network that will be implemented in the short to medium term is still being developed, having regard to detailed operational requirements and local traffic considerations. Notwithstanding, the BusConnects programme is fully supported within the Draft LSMATS.

 

76.5.7 Public Transport Interchange

The Council supports the development of quality public transport interchanges, including Colbert Station, as a key transport hub and the central role it plays in encouraging and enabling modal shift in Limerick. Through the implementation of the LSMATS, opportunities will be created for intermodal transfer between rail, bus, taxi and other sustainable modes of transport, such was walking and cycling.

 

Objective TR O15 O20 - Transport Interchange – It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the provision of quality transport interchanges with the rail network and proposed Park and Ride services, in order to facilitate focussed access to multiple public transport modes and to maximise the movement of people via sustainable modes.

 

 

Through the development of the Limerick BusConnects programme there will also be opportunities for interchange at the proposed Park and Ride locations outlined later in this chapter. The Council will seek to ensure that appropriate levels of safe and secure cycle parking, cycle facilities and electric charging infrastructure are provided at public transport interchanges.

 

76.5.8 Rail Connections

There are three established rail transport corridors that serve Limerick, including Nenagh/Ballybrophy, Ennis/Galway and Dublin, together with interchange at Limerick Junction for Cork/Tralee and Waterford. The three corridors converge at Limerick Colbert Station, which is progressing as a major transport hub for Limerick, providing a transformational integrated sustainable transport network. Castleconnell is the only operating station outside of Limerick City.

 

There are three other railway lines in Limerick which, are either no longer used or which have been effectively dismantled. These are the Limerick to Charleville line (there has already been significant development on this line, including parts of the N20), the Limerick to Tralee line (via Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale) and the Limerick to Foynes line. Irish Rail supports the protection of the Foynes line as far as Foynes Port, as it could facilitate a further extension to Shannon Foynes Port for freight services.

 

Objective TR O16 O21 - Rail Network - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)   Explore a pathway to rail-based development in the review of the RSES and MASP in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and the Southern and Western Regional Assemblies;

b)    Support and encourage, and facilitate new and upgrading of existing rail networks, railway stations and services across Limerick as identified in LSMATS and protect, as required, lands necessary for the upgrading of existing railway lines or stations, which would improve journey times and enable an increase in the frequency of services and connections.

 

Objective TR O17 O22 – Limerick to Foynes Line - It is an objective of the Council to retain the Limerick to Foynes rail line and avoid encroachment of inappropriate development, which may compromise the line’s potential future use.

 

76.5.9 Park and Ride/Stride Facilities

Park and Ride facilities integrate car use with public transport and assist those living in remote locations not well served by public transport to access public transport connections. It is important that park and ride facilities improve public transport accessibility, without unduly intensifying road congestion, or increasing the total distance travelled by car. The Draft LSMATS has identified a number of locations in Limerick for park and ride. The Council will support the delivery of park and ride facilities as identified in the final LSMATS.

 

In addition to Park and Ride facilities, Park and Stride can also assist in reducing congestion, particularly in the last 10 minutes of the journey, the use of such sites in close proximity to schools, can reduce or eliminate the congestion at the school gates.

 

Objective TR O18 O23 - Park and Ride Facilities - It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the provision of Park and Ride facilities in line with the final Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and investigate the feasibility of the provision of ‘park and ride’ facilities, with suitable electric charging structures, carpooling, car sharing and bike sharing facilities to incorporate car parking and a bus stop/terminus at appropriate locations as identified in the final LSMATS.  In pursuing the objective to facilitate the provision of Park and Ride, the Council will co-operate closely with relevant transport bodies, authorities and agencies.

 

Objective TR O19 O24 - Park and Stride Facilities - It is an objective of the Council to investigate the potential of providing a number of ‘park and stride’ facilities in appropriate locations in Limerick.

 

76.5.10 Car Clubs/Car Sharing and Car Pooling

‘Car clubs’ and ‘pool car schemes’ are shared pools of cars available locally for short term hire and are a convenient alternative to car ownership. They allow for occasional car use but discourage unnecessary car journeys.

 

Car sharing schemes involve members pre-booking the use of communal cars for their personal use, thereby reducing the number of cars on the roads and helping the environment. They allow members access to a car when they need it, from a place near their home or workplace, without the costs of owning a car. They are an important method of facilitating the reduction of car ownership and supporting the shift to low carbon modes.

 

The Council will seek - in accordance with the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2020) – the provision of car clubs in residential developments, particularly where a reduction in car parking is being sought.

 

Objective TR O20 O25 - Car Clubs/Car Sharing - It is an objective of the Council to support the set up and operation of car clubs/car sharing and car-pooling schemes to facilitate an overall reduction in car journeys and car parking requirements.

 

76.5.11 Electric and Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles

In 2008, the Government launched an Electric Transport Programme with a target that 10% of the national road transport fleet be electrically powered by 2020. Most recently, the Climate Action Plan set an ambitious target of achieving 100% or 950,000 of all new cars and vans to be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. Developing the infrastructure for alternatively fuelled vehicles will be a vital step in encouraging consumers to make more environmentally friendly transport choices. There currently is a total of 20 electric charging points registered throughout Limerick.

 

Compressed Natural Gas (ONG) is natural gas that has been compressed to fit into a vehicle's tank and is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. The development of CNG Infrastructure will enable fuel switching from diesel to CNG for HGVs and buses. CNG is an established technology that is used in many countries around the world. CNG contains virtually no particulate matter (PM) and also has low emission levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) ² which is beneficial from an air quality perspective. CNG vehicles can be run on 100% renewable gas. This is a renewable and carbon neutral fuel, produced using anaerobic digestion technology from existing waste streams and a variety of sustainable biomass sources, including grass, animal waste, crop residues and food waste. Infrastructure development for CNG is already underway in Ireland, with 14 fast fill CNG stations being installed across the Core TEN-T road network via a project called the Causeway Study that is supported by the European Commission through the CEF Transport Fund and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The Council will support the use of gas in transport by a presumption in favour of applications for CNG refueling infrastructure, provided planning and environmental criteria are satisfied.  

 

Objective TR O21 O26 - Electric and Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)    Encourage the switch to Electric Vehicles and e-bikes through the roll-out of additional electric charging points at appropriate locations, throughout Limerick, in association with relevant agencies and stakeholders;

b)     Facilitate the provision of electricity charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, both on street and in new developments, in accordance with the Development Management Standards set out in Chapter 11;

c)    Encourage the switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles through the roll-out of additional CNG points at appropriate locations, throughout Limerick, in association with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

 

76.5.12 Micro-Mobility

Micro-mobility refers to personal vehicles such as bikes and scooters including electric and dockless models. Micro-mobility has emerged in recent years and e-scooters in particular, have become a visibly more popular transport mode in Limerick.  Micro-mobility allows for a convenient and flexible level of local mobility, supporting better connections with public transport and enabling active mobility intermodal trips.

 

New legislation is due to be approved to regulate the use of e-scooters in public places in Ireland.

 

Objective TR O22 O27 - Micro-Mobility - It is an objective of the Council to facilitate and support the use of scooters, e-scooters and emerging personal mobility modes of travel in line with relevant legislation.

 

76.5.13 Mobility Management Plans

Mobility management plans/workplace travel plans are proposals, which will minimise the impact of the traffic generated by their development. They include mitigation measures which will take account of the findings of a Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) and a series of actions aimed at supporting sustainable travel for employers and staff. A Mobility Management Plan also addresses site-specific issues or barriers affecting travel choice for employees and modal split targets for the workplace.   Measures that should be included are integration with public transport, promotion of car sharing/pooling, parking pricing and control and the encouragement of cycling and walking by the provision of cycling and walking routes and secure cycle parking. The NTA document Achieving Effective Workplace Travel Plans – Guidance for Local Authorities also provides guidance on proposals to encourage employees to walk, cycle or carpool to the workplace.

 

Objective TR O23 O28 - Mobility Management - It is an objective of the Council to require the submission of Mobility Management Plans, subject to the guidance provided in the Toolkit for School Travel, Safe Routes to School Programme, Workplace Travel Plans – A Guide for Implementers and Achieving Effective Workplace Travel Plans – Guidance for Local Authorities, for any development that the Council consider will have significant trip generation and attraction rates, at peak hours or throughout the day and where existing or proposed public transport may be utilised.

 

Objective TR O24 O29 - Area Wide Mobility Management Planning/Networks - It is an objective of the Council to support and promote Area Wide Mobility Planning/Networks, to develop a collective approach to sustainable travel and support a culture of sustainable travel practices among workplaces at Strategic Employment Locations.                                             

 

76.5.14 Greenways

Greenways are a term for the collective networks of parks and open spaces, which facilitate green modes of movement, (walkers, cyclists, roller skaters and horse riders) for pleasure, recreation, tourism and daily journeys. Greenways often coincide with wildlife corridors, which highlights the need for careful planning and design to ensure that they will be assessed for potential impacts on biodiversity. Limerick City and County Council are currently progressing a Blue – Green Infrastructure Strategy for Limerick City and Environs, including Mungret and Annacotty, which will seek to capitalise on opportunities for linkage and enhanced connectivity using blue and green infrastructure. Additional information on Blue/Greenways can be found in Section 6.3.7 5.3.7 in Chapter 6 5: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure.

 

76.6 Rural Transport

The recently published Department of Rural and Community Development’s Our Rural Future: Government’s Blueprint to Transform Rural Ireland acknowledges the huge potential for cycling within and between rural towns and villages, and particularly in the hinterland of rural towns. The Government has committed a €50 million fund in 2021 for Local Authority investment in high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure, specifically targeted at towns and villages across the country.  The policy document further highlights the need for an improved rural public transport service, including proposals for piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living in rural areas.  Limerick City and County Council will support the Government’s commitment to rural transport including piloting sustainable transport schemes in towns and villages.

 

Policy TR P9 P10 - Sustainable Transport in Rural Areas - It is a policy of the Council to support the objectives contained in Our Rural Future: Government’s Blueprint to Transport Rural Ireland, including investment in public transport and high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure specifically targeted at towns and villages. 

 

There are a number of Local Link bus routes in operation throughout Limerick, which provide vital public transport links for rural areas to key settlements within Limerick. The promotion of permeability within and connectivity between the existing urban towns and smaller urban settlements and rural areas remains a key transport goal of the Council. In addition to bus routes operated under the Rural Transport Initiative, private bus operators service both urban centres and rural communities. It is important that these services are retained and improved. Public transport services in rural areas provide a vital means of access for rural inhabitants, to key employment and social services and a means of further sustaining rural settlements.

 

Policy TR P10 P11 - Rural Transport - It is a policy of the Council to continue to support the ‘Local Link’ rural transport service and to encourage operators to improve the service to meet the social and economic needs of the rural communities in Limerick.

 

Objective TR O25 - Inter-city, Regional, Commuter Services - It is an objective of the Council to support and facilitate the on-going review and enhancements to the inter-city, regional and commuter services in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.

 

Objective TR O26 - Bus Transport Infrastructure - It is an objective of the Council to support the development of bus shelters and bus stops that shall incorporate universal access and bicycle parking facilities where possible.

 

76.7 Strategic Connections

76.7.1 Airport

The Council recognises the importance of air travel for international connectivity and in improving the attractiveness of Limerick for business opportunities and development of the tourism industry. Limerick is strategically positioned within close proximity to Shannon International Airport. The Council supports the continued operation and growth of Shannon Airport as an important element of the transport and communications infrastructure of the region. The Council also supports measures to enhance public transport connections from Limerick City to the Airport.

 

Objective TR O27 O31 - Shannon Airport - It is an objective of the Council to support the continued operation and growth of Shannon International Airport and measures to enhance public transport connections to the Airport from the City Centre.

 

76.7.2 Strategic Ports and Harbours

Limerick has significant port facilities in the natural harbour of the Shannon Estuary. These comprise of the Shannon-Foynes deep-water cargo port, Limerick Docks in Limerick City and a jetty facility at Aughinish, between Foynes and Askeaton.

 

Shannon Foynes Port is identified as a Tier 1 Port of National Significance in the current National Ports Policy (DTTAS, 2013) and is an EU Core Network Port (TEN-T), located on the North-Sea Mediterranean TEN-T Core Network Corridor. The Port has a key role both regionally and nationally in meeting the external trading requirements of the Irish economy. The Council supports the development of improved connectivity and enhanced transport networks to Shannon Foynes Port.

 

The Council supports the operation of the existing Limerick Docks and the sustainable redevelopment of the adjacent lands. The Limerick Docks are within close proximity of the City Centre and the Council will support and facilitate improved connectivity with the City Centre, including public transport and pedestrian linkage.

 

Objective TR O28 O32 - Docks and Ports - It is an objective of the Council to support the continued development of Shannon Foynes Port as an EU Core Network Port (TEN-T) and Limerick Docks as marine related assets, in accordance with the 2013 National Ports Policy.

 

76.8 Strategic Roads Infrastructure

The road network is a vital part of Limerick’s transport infrastructure due to the widespread use and reliance on road transport for economic movements as well as for social journeys. Key projects which are critical to enabling sustainable mobility and economic growth in Limerick, as identified in RSES are outlined earlier in the chapter. The importance of providing a safe, efficient road system in the County to support enhanced connectivity within Limerick and between the regions is critical to Limerick’s economic growth. The Draft Plan provides the following objectives in support of this growth:

 

Objective TR O29 O1 - N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project - It is an objective of the Council to support the delivery of the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project, which will connect Cork and Limerick, subject to in accordance with all environmental and planning assessments.

 

Objective TR O30 O2 - Foynes to Limerick (including Adare Bypass) Road - It is an objective of the Council to support the delivery of the Foynes to Limerick (including Adare Bypass) Road, subject to in accordance with all environmental and planning assessment.

 

Objective TR O31 O3 - N21 Newcastle West and N21 Abbeyfeale Road Schemes - It is an objective of the Council to support the delivery of N21 Newcastle West and N21 Abbeyfeale Road Schemes, subject to in accordance with all environmental and planning assessment.

 

Objective TR O32 O4 - N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction - It is an objective of the Council to support the delivery of N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Road Scheme, subject to in accordance with all environmental and planning assessment.

 

Objective TR O33 O5 - Motorway Network Arterial Roads - It is an objective of the Council to upgrade arterial roads from the motorway network to increase capacity, where deemed necessary.

 

Objective TR O34 O7 - O’Connell Street Improvement Works - It is an objective of the Council to support the delivery of the O’Connell Street Improvement Works in the provision of a more efficient traffic management system, as well as facilitating future transport mode needs in accordance with requirements of LSMATS.

 

Objective TR O35 O8 – Connecting Limerick’s Southside - It is an objective of the Council to explore improved accessibility to Limerick Southside, including the possible provision of a motorway interchange connection from the M20/M7 to Limerick Southside, subject to:

-           The requirement for a Motorway Order;

-           Demonstration of consistency with the criteria in Section 2.7 of the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012), including that additional traffic loading can be satisfactorily accommodated at the junction and on the national road network;

-           The special requirements of the tolling scheme (N18 and Limerick Tunnel Scheme) and the financial implications for the Exchequer of new road schemes in that context shall be evaluated;

-           An assessment of environmental impacts.

 

The development of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) is a key strategic road infrastructure project as outlined in RSES.   The LNDR will improve access to the University of Limerick and the IDA National Technology Park and will reduce City Centre traffic. It will provide a direct link between Shannon International Airport, the businesses and industries in the Shannon area and the university campus.  In terms of land use planning policy, although the LNDR will be a Regional route, it will be treated in a similar way to National roads and the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines will be applied to potential changes to land use policy on this corridor.  Aside from what is proposed in RSES and the associated Local Authority Core Strategies, any significant developments along the LNDR will not be supported and its strategic function will be protected. 

Objective TR O36 O6 - Limerick Northern Distributor Road - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)    Support the development of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road, which will connect the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road Scheme to the existing R445 (old N7) and adjoining road network to the east of Limerick City, which will incorporate Smarter Travel measures, in accordance with all environmental and planning assessments.

b)    Ensure the LNDR will be subject to the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines and its implementation will not support any significant development along the route, subject to any strategic and/or national considerations.

Figure 76.1 Preferred Route for the Limerick Northern Distributor Road

76.9 Protection of Road Hierarchy

The road network also plays a vital part of Limerick’s transport infrastructure to support economic development as well as for social journeys. Proper management of use, maintenance of roads and improvements to the network is vital.

 

A hierarchy of roads exist in Limerick, including sections of motorway, national roads, regional roads, local roads and urban roadways. There has been significant investment in road infrastructure and therefore it is important to protect and maintain the carrying capacity of the road network within Limerick.

Policy TR P11 P7 - Road Safety and Carrying Capacity of the Road Network - It is a policy of the Council to seek improvements to road safety and enhance carrying capacity of the road network throughout Limerick, through minimising existing traffic hazards, including access onto roads, which are substandard in terms of width and alignment and preventing the creation of additional or new traffic hazards in the road network, maintaining the carrying capacity and securing appropriate signage.

 

In implementing the above policy, the Council will have regard to the following objectives:

 

Objective TR O37 O33 - Land Uses and Access Standards on to All Roads - It is an objective of the Council to ensure that any development involving a new access to a public road, or the intensification of use of an existing access onto a public road, that              would compromise the safety and capacity of the road network, will not be permitted unless the new or existing access meets the appropriate design standards.

 

The Council will ensure traffic safety is a priority in the case of all accesses onto public roads.

 

Objective TR O38 O34 - Improvements to Regional and Local Roads - It is an objective of the Council to provide for and carry out sustainable improvements to sections of regional roads and local roads, that are deficient in respect of alignment, structural condition, or capacity, where resources permit and to maintain that standard thereafter.

 

76.9.1 National Road Network

Limerick occupies a strategic location on the national road network, with a large number of National Routes traversing through it. The primary purpose of the national road network is to provide strategic transport links between main centres of population and employment. The M7, the M8 and Foynes Port (Foynes to Limerick (including Adare Bypass) Road) have been identified as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).  Additionally, the N18 Limerick to Galway, the N21 Limerick to Tralee and the N20 Limerick to Cork National Primary routes are identified as part of the EU TEN-T Comprehensive Network. The N24 Limerick to Waterford and the N69 Limerick to Tralee National Primary roads also provides important regional and inter-regional connectivity within and through Limerick. There are a number of forthcoming road schemes which will improve accessibility and connectivity between urban centres in the region and beyond.

 

Policy TR P12 P8 - Safeguard the Capacity of National Roads - It is a policy of the Council to:

a)    Protect the capacity of the national road network, having regard to all relevant

       Government guidance and associated junctions, including DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (DoECLG, 2012) in the carrying out of Local Authority functions and;

b)    Ensure development does not prejudice the future development, or impair the capacity of, the planned national roads, which includes the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Scheme and Foynes to Limerick Road (including Adare Bypass) projects and other schemes referenced in Section 7.4 6.4;

c)   Continue to engage, at an early stage, with relevant transport bodies, authorities and agencies in respect of any plans or projects that are located in proximity to national road infrastructure.

 

Objective TR O39 O35 - National Roads - It is an objective of Council to:

a)   Prevent, except in exceptional circumstances as outlined in the Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (DoECLG, 2012), inappropriate development on lands adjacent to the existing national road network, which would adversely affect the safety, current and future capacity and function of national roads and having regard to reservation corridors, to cater for  possible future upgrades of the national roads and junctions;

b)   Avoid the creation of any new direct access points from development, or the generation of increased traffic from existing direct access/egress points to the national road network, to which speed limits greater than 60km/h apply;

c)    Facilitate a limited level of new accesses, or the intensified use of existing accesses, to the national road network on the approaches to, or exit from, urban centres that are subject to a speed limit of between 50km/h and 60km/h. Such accesses will be considered where they facilitate orderly urban development and would not result in a proliferation of such entrances;

d)    Consider permitting access where members of the farming community wish to build their houses for their own occupation, on their own land where the house is required for occupation by a member of the farming community, in connection with the working of the farm and where no reasonable alternative access is available to them and where that access is safe and the traffic levels generated are reasonably low. Such developments shall be subject to a Road Safety Audit.

 

The primary purpose of the national road network is to provide strategic transport links between main centres of population and employment. The M7 Motorway have been identified as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The Council will support the improvement and protection of the EU TEN-T (Trans-European Network for Transport) network to strengthen access routes and connectivity.

 

The Council will facilitate the protection of all National routes from frontage access and to minimise the number of junctions in accordance with TII’s Policy and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government’s Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012).

 

Similarly, the Council will seek to safeguard the drainage network associated with the national road network.

 

Objective TR O40 O36 - National Road Network Drainage Regimes - It is an objective of the Council to ensure all developments protect and safeguard the capacity and efficiency of the drainage regimes of the national road network.

 

76.9.2 Regional Road Network

The regional road network provides important links between the towns and villages across Limerick. They supplement the national road network. The regional road network in Limerick is subdivided into strategic regional roads and regional roads. In the case of strategic regional roads and regional roads, especially those which have a high carrying capacity, the Council shall adopt a restrictive policy in relation to new development in the interests of traffic safety.

Policy TR P13 P9 - Strategic Regional Road Network - It is a policy of the Council to protect the investment in the strategic regional road network and maintain and improve road safety and capacity.

 

Objective TR O41 O37 - Strategic Regional Roads - It is an objective of the Council to:

a)  Improve, manage and maintain the strategic regional road network in Limerick, in a manner which safeguards the strategic function of the road network;

b)  Prohibit development generating additional traffic and requiring direct access onto a strategic regional roads in areas where speed limits in excess of 50km/h apply;

c)     Consider permitting access onto a strategic regional road where members of the farming community wish to build their houses for their own occupation, on their own land where the house is required for occupation by a member of the farming community in connection with the working of the farm and where no reasonable alternative access is available to them and where that access is safe and the traffic levels generated are reasonably low. Such developments shall be subject to a Road Safety Audit and all relevant planning criteria;

d)    The above applies to the following strategic regional roads:

• R521 Foynes/Newcastle West;
• R522 – Newcastle West/Dromcolliher/County Boundary;
• R518-Askeaton/Rathkeale/Ballingarry/Bruree/Kilmallock;
• R520-Newcastle West/Junction with R518 (towards Kilmallock);
• R511-Limerick/Fedamore/Junction with R516;
• R512-Limerick/Bruff/Kilmallock/Kilfinnane/County Boundary;
• R513-Junction with N24/ Caherconlish/ Herbertstown/ Hospital/ Knocklong/           Ballylanders/ County Boundary;
• R503 – Junction with N7 to County Boundary (towards Newport);
• R525- Castleconnell to O’Briens Bridge;
• R505-Junction N24/Cappamore/Doon;
• R510-Junction with Raheen roundabout (R526)/ Quins’ cross roundabout/ Mungret            roundabout (N69);
• R526-City boundary to Colopys Cross-Patrickswell;
• R445 from the Mackey Roundabout to Annacotty Roundabout.

 

76.9.3 Local Roads

Local roads form the bulk of the road network in Limerick and serve an important economic role, because of the dispersed nature of the population in the County. Urban roads and streets are located in towns and villages and provide essential access from residential areas to retail streets, commercial lands and amenity areas. Limerick City and County Council has responsibility for the carrying out of maintenance and improvement works on these roads, financed from their own resources and supplemented by state grants.

 

Objective TR O42 O38 - Roads and Streets - It is an objective of the Council to secure improvements to the road network in Limerick, including improved pedestrian and cycle facilities, in conjunction and co-operation with relevant stakeholders, subject to resources becoming available.