boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2012-2018 & BEYOND Chapter 3: Infrastructure & Services
The north side of Boyle town along the R294 (old
Dublin Road), Abbeytown (L5058) and other local
roads such as the L1020 (Wooden Bridge, Drum Road
& Maple Drive) adjacent to the N4 (Dublin to Sligo
National Primary Route) has developed substantially
in recent years. This development consists primarily
of residential development; however, development has
also included a small number of industrial units,
expansion of the existing nursing home, a medical
centre, a shop, a school, and a harbour with a canal
link to Lough Key. There are a notable number of
gaps in the footpath network along the L1020, L5058,
and R294 roads. At the majority of locations where
development has occurred without the construction of
footpaths, there is adequate setback for road crosssection
improvement when funding becomes
available. All development should provide adequate
road width for footpaths, cycle lanes and, where
substantial road frontage is developed, the developers
should install all services including
telephone/broadband, public lighting, electricity and
water etc. to a standard to be agreed with RCC.
Should linear ribbon development take place adjacent
to the above roads (L1020, L5058, and R294),
specific road contributions should be provided for the
development of essential roads infrastructure
including; footpaths, road widening and provision of
services. RCC will carry out improvement of the road
network and services, where adequate road space and
specific funding has being allocated for linking of
residential development to Boyle town.
‣ Major Roads Infrastructure
The maintenance and improvement of the
transportation network is an essential element in
ensuring the continued social and economic
development of Boyle. The majority of the
development of Boyle, apart from the most recent
development north of the town towards the N4, has
been carried out since the mid 1800s in a gradual
manner. Most of the town’s amenities and educational
facilities are in the north of the town and all are wellserviced
with roads infrastructure.
The proposed N61 Boyle Town Bypass to the south
east of the town, linking the N4 to the N61 south of
the town (See Map 3a & 3b), will provide a vital
strategic link for the south of Boyle town, and indeed
Roscommon County, to the north west of the country,
in addition to providing an efficient link for
Dublin/Sligo bound traffic from the south of Boyle
town. In addition to increased accessibility it will help
reduce the traffic flow within the town.
It is an objective of RCC to reserve, free of
development, the selected route corridor for the
proposed National Secondary Route N61 bypass for
Boyle. Furthermore, RCC will seek to minimise the
number of additional access points onto National
Roads, reserving them for their primary purpose as
long distance routes. The feasibility study has been
completed for the N61 Boyle/Roscommon/Athlone
route selection corridor and it is an objective of RCC
to progress to the next stage of the process and
develop the proposed new road scheme, when funding
becomes available.
The N61 Athlone to Boyle project involves the
upgrading of the N61 national secondary route
between Boyle and Athlone, a mainline length of
75km. Progression of this scheme through the
planning phases has however been suspended.
A safe and efficient road and transport system is a
vital component in improving the attractiveness of the
area for the development of industry and employment
generation. RCC supports development in areas that
reduce the need to travel, are in close proximity to the
national and regional road network, have essential
services and transport facilities, and encourages more
sustainable forms of transport such as walking,
cycling and public transport.
3.2.2 Future Development
In line with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on
Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas
(Cities, Towns & Villages), 2009; RCC supports
increased residential density close to existing or future
public transport routes, where appropriate. This will
follow the Sequential Approach where possible and
areas to be zoned will also be contiguous to existing
zoned/serviced development lands.
RCC will closely review all development proposals
which require access onto National and Regional
Roads, in order to ensure that traffic flow and safety
along these roads will not be unduly disrupted by
proposed development. Development will be carried
out in urban areas taking cognisance of the provision
of adequate road width, where possible. All
development of the Boyle Town streetscape will be
considered with a view towards the provision of
underground services, street furniture, public lighting,
and the protection of on-street features as outlined in
the Record of Protected Structures and the addition of
new contemporary streetscape design, features and
layouts where appropriate. (See Chapter 6 – Built and
Natural Heritage)
Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 25