Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Transportation Public Transport, Walking and Cycling

The Plan will contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Planning Guidelines of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) firstly by seeking to minimise the need to travel along with delivering a comprehensive network of footpaths and cycle ways over the lifetime of the Plan. The Plan zones sites to develop more compact settlements, with development concentrated at the most accessible locations with the maximum range of convenient local services. The Plan intends to increase the range of facilities within easy walking and cycling distance of residential areas. Consistent with PPS 7: Quality Residential Environments, all proposed residential developments will be required to provide for a movement pattern that supports walking and cycling and respects existing rights of way.

Both walking and cycling are inexpensive, sustainable, healthy and enjoyable means of travelling short distances. Cycling levels are much lower than many comparable North European countries with a similar climate. It is a practical alternative to the car for the predominant short journeys of up to 5 kilometres. The major impediments to multiplying the number of cycle trips locally are firstly a culture that has become dominated by motoring and secondly concerns about safety. The Plan, by seeking to implement a comprehensive, safe and convenient network of footpaths and cycle ways, will endeavour to overcome these barriers, particularly the safety issue.

The Plan seeks to promote the use of alternatives to the private car, which will contribute to sustainability and simultaneously contribute to a reduction of congestion. Within the Northern Plan area, bus services have a significant contribution to make towards these objectives. In addition a considerable proportion of households (up to 30%) remain dependent on public transport for mobility and the maintenance and enhancement of bus services has an important role in ‘ New Targeting Social Need’ (New TSN) and contributing to an inclusive society. Therefore the Plan seeks to facilitate and encourage the improvement of public transport services.

Major new developments will be required to make provision for bus services, where the bus operators advise that these are likely to be a viable proposition. Where housing or commercial proposals are part of larger developments, the Department will require an appropriate contribution to the overall provision of public transport facilities.

Conversely, the Department will not approve significant commercial, educational, recreational, leisure, tourism or other business developments that will generate considerable travel unless they are either effectively served by existing public transport or can have an effective public transport link brought to them, if necessary at the developer’s expense.