Concern over elements of draft transport plan for Boyle

Submissions on a Local transport Plan for Boyle town were discussed at a meeting of Boyle Municipal District where some concerns were expressed about elements of the draft plan.

The meeting heard that following on from the submissions and the concerns expressed an additional report will be produced by the planning consultants, Transport Insights, before any decisions in relation to the plan are made.

The plan does state that “in seeking to advance any of the recommended proposals set out in the Local Transport Plan, it is important to highlight that, prior to any development, these proposals would be subject to further detailed, preliminary feasibility and site-specific considerations. All such proposals would also be subject to comprehensive advance consultation with all relevant stakeholders at local and national level, prior to being prepared in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.”

A total of 11 submissions were made, three from individuals and the remaining eight from organisations and government bodies.

In one submission concerns were raised regarding a proposal to narrow the carriageway on Patrick Street (R294).

The submission highlighted that construction of the town’s proposed Aldi near the street would increase what are already high volumes of heavy vehicle traffic coming in from the Ballymote and Gurteen side.

Issue was also taken with Option 2 of the vehicular circulation plans, which could convert Bridge Street into a southbound only one way carriage and that this, the submission said, would cause congestion on Patrick Street and the mini roundabouts either side of Boyle Abbey.

Another submission revolved around Chapel Street, in particular the speed limit and the number of heavy vehicles using the road. The Boyle resident believed that potential traffic lights used during any Aldi construction would make drivers use Chapel Street as a bypass.

She proposed a 30 kph speed limit for the street, which is set to be addressed under upcoming speed limit revisions, along with imposing a ban on vehicles weighing over three tonnes.

Other proposals included were to reopen Mill Bridge for pedestrian access to the town, along with constructing a metal footbridge on stilts running beneath the N61 overpass to the Pleasure Grounds alongside Boyle River.

An Irish Cycling Campaign’s submission largely endorsed the proposals, noting, “any template that emerges from the final plan for Boyle, might act as a driver for other similar town transport plans countrywide.” The cycling advocacy body called for reduced inner speed limits of 30 kph, and 20 kph in “constricted areas.” A council spokesperson acknowledged that the upcoming revised speed limits may encompass these suggestions.

The ICC also recommended that the proposed 50 kph gateway be extended northwards on the N61, that the road measure between Abbeytown Road and Carrick Road be replaced by an active travel corridor and favoured Option 2 of the traffic circulation plan.

An Post’s submission related to advance notices being given on road closures and to ensure the postal service had “unrestricted 24-hour access to An Post facilities” for its operational matters.

Another submission called for the Sligo to Athlone bus route to be reinstated, but a council spokesperson clarified this fell outside the remit of the LTP.

Remaining submissions were received from Uisce Éireann, the Health and Safety Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Planning Regulator, Department of Local Government and Heritage, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

These submissions either outlined their own regulatory practices for the LTP or were acknowledgements of correspondence.

Municipal District councillors discussed the submissions at their meeting and voiced their own concerns.

Any proposed narrowing of the carriageway at Patrick Street was deemed a negative for the town.

Councillors Sean Moylan and Valerie Byrne shared reservations with regard to proposed one-way systems being directed through housing estates, with Cllr Byrne remarking, “the right decisions that work on the ground have to be made.” Cllr Moylan was in favour of another recommendation made by the ICC of a bypass route for the N61. He made the comparison to the N17 bypass of Tuam, a town which also has one way routes through estates.

Cllr Liam Callaghan called for increased accessibility direct to Boyle train station for buses, but a council spokesperson highlighted difficulties with the adjoining junction being on a bridge.

Cllr Leah Cull stated that the introduction of a one-way street on Military Road on Main Street would improve parking and she also welcomed the proposed cycle lanes.

Cllr Micheál Frain pointed out the plan’s ability to use Boyle’s potential as a tourist town.

*Published under the Local Democracy Scheme