Strokestown’s €5m Public Realm Plan gets the green light

The €5m Strokestown Part 8 Public Realm Plan was passed by just one vote by Boyle Municipal District councillors when the matter came before a special meeting.

The passing of the plan, which has undergone some alterations since it was first formalised, was proposed by Cllr John Cummins and seconded by Cllr Joe Murphy and agreed to by chairman of the MD Cllr Liam Callaghan.

Cllrs Valerie Byrne and Michael Mulligan said they would not be supporting the plan as it stood. Cllr Tom Crosby absented himself from the meeting due to a conflict of interest with his daughter owning property in the town, saying “this is the right thing to do.” 

One of the main issues of contention that arose was with regard to ‘Shared Pedestrian/Cycling Surfaces’. Acting senior engineer with the council’s regeneration section Enda Mulryan explained: “We took the decision that a segregated cycle lane was not appropriate in Strokestown for a number of reasons including the potential use, the conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles and the desire for maximum parking numbers. As an alternative we have included a shared pedestrian /cycleway targeting use by children.” 

Cllr Byrne said she took on board the comments made regarding the shared walkways on the plan but added: “I don’t take this lightly. There are people living on that street (Church Street) and they need support. It is a huge decision for Strokestown, and it is big money. Of the people I have spoken to – no one said to vote for this,” she said adding she had a huge objection to the shared cycle and pedestrian paths. “It is with a heavy heart that I say no to this project.” 

Cllr Mulligan also commented: “This is a lovely plan when you look at it. It is doable but is it workable? The biggest thing is the cycleway. I also have a little worry about the roundabout.” During an earlier discussion on the matter Cllr Cummins said he had received a number of representations in relation to this. He added people were worried about it and said there was also concern from people living along the stretch of the pathway. “They are worried about coming out the front door and children flying by on bikes, the buffer is helpful, but it will not allay fears.” 

Cllr Byrne said this was her main objection to the plan. “There are elderly people living in that area. I cannot understand why it (cycleway) can’t be on the main thoroughfare. That is my main objection to this entire project.” The council engineer reiterated that there would be a buffer and it would be there to provide protection for those exiting their property. “This shared surface is not for the use of the professional cyclist.” He stressed that it was to promote walking and cycling to school and the plan was intended “to look at future use, 10-15 years from now”.

The meeting had firstly heard that following a public consultation earlier this year 101 submissions were received and of these 15 areas of concern were identified.

One of the main issues was with regard to parking. “There are currently approximately 80 spaces in Bawn Street and approximately 260 spaces in Church Street. The current parking zones on both streets are unmarked with no defined circulation spaces which leads to varying interpretations on the actual number and layout of parking spaces,” the meeting heard.

Based on the submissions received representations from the elected members regarding the Bawn Street layout the proposed layout was amended to provide for an additional nine parking spaces (bringing the total provided to 72 spaces) with a consequent small reduction in the paved and planted area. The plan also provides for 198 spaces on Church Street.

The matter of two hour parking was raised but the meeting heard that this could be looked at at a future date.

The roundabout changes were also discussed especially with regard HGV and agricultural machinery, but the members were told this would not be an issue.

In relation to the the top end of Church Street currently used by parents dropping off and collecting their children, Mr Mulryan outlined: “One of the main objectives for Church Street is to introduce a set kerb line along its length to narrow the carriageway and thus reduce vehicular speeds and enhance road safety while controlling and managing the number of access points on to the road network and associated turning manoeuvres. Meeting this requirement means that cars have to enter and leave the main road and park within the car park area in designated bays. This will lead to a more efficient and safer use of the space.” 

Other matters concerning lighting were discussed with the plan ruling out the lowering and differentiating the style.

The meeting further heard that if the plan was approved it would be a major investment for Strokestown. Mr Mulryan added “This is a once in a lifetime for Strokestown.” Cllr Cummins said “this is the first step,” for Strokestown and it an opportunity for development of new ideas and then went on to propose the plan being backed.

This  was seconded by Cllr Murphy, who stated: “There will be a lot of changes when the N5 (bypass) is done. Our town is going to be different. Look at the development of Boyle where the council took charge. Slowly you could see that businesses are doing well. I thing it is the right thing to do. I would not like to think we turned down the development to enhance the economic and social development of Strokestown.” 

However Cllrs Byrne and Mulligan voiced their objections to the plan but Cllr Callaghan voiced his support saying “any investment in the region is very important”.

The vote was then cast with 3-2 for the plan.