Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Meeting, Friday, 3 May 2024
Councillor Pádraig McEvoy
Question
Can the council give an update on the Clane Town Centre First Plan [link] and how it will inform council plans, policies, and projects over the coming years?
Agenda Report
There is a strong inter-relationship between the content of the Town Centre First plan and the relevant statutory plans. The objectives and policies of the plans provided the strategic policy basis for the Town Centre First Plan, and the plan will inform town development policies to be expressed in statutory plans where appropriate. In certain instances, statutory plans will be subject to review and this will hopefully provide an opportunity for their consultation and preparation processes to fully reflect the Town Centre First agenda and approach. The Clane Town Centre First Plan has been adopted by the Clane Town Team.
An application has been submitted for funding to develop projects identified in the Clane Town Centre First Plan, and the Town Regeneration Officer is currently assessing other funding opportunities. It is also hoped that an Area-Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) will be carried out in Clane, which will allow further projects to be developed.
Issued by: Ms. F. Byrne, A/Town Regeneration Officer, Housing Department.
Debate
Traffic congestion is one of the main concerns for Clane. The opening of the Sallins bypass corresponded with significant traffic through Clane, causing congestion throughout the day. In the recent survey for the Clane Town Centre First Plan, traffic congestion was identified as one of the top three issues that needed attention. The other two were the need for more cycling and walking facilities. The Capdoo road works are scheduled to come on stream in the next 12 to 15 months. It was also acknowledged that 19% of emissions needed to be halved over the next few years, requiring reducing car movement by over half.
Update
Note: Any potential action on the permeability concept links will require further investigation, third-party engagement, and technical considerations before detailed design and planning consent, etc. This information is published on page 3 of the plan document [link].
The Transport, Mobility, and Open Spaces Department informed the members that they are currently developing several comprehensive transportation strategies for different areas.
The completed strategies to date are Athy, Naas-Sallins, and Kildare Town. Maynooth will be completed by Q4 2023, while Newbridge will be completed by mid-2024.
The evidenced-based strategies are completed before a draft Local Area Plan. The next two areas to be completed are Monasterevin and Celbridge, and Clane is likely to follow after.
Minutes of Meeting
CM33/0524 [link]
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