20131016-ennis-active-travel-towns-application (link is external)

Transcription

16th Oct 2013
Our Ref: IC/OUT/
Your Ref:
Active Travel Towns Competition
Sustainable Transport Division
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2
Re – Active Travel Towns Funding Scheme 2014-2016
To whom it concerns,
Please find enclosed our application for funding under the Active Travel Towns Funding
Scheme 2014-2016. We are making an application for two towns in our administrative area:
x
x
Ennis Town
Population 20,209
Shannon Town Population 9,673
We are very committed to the sustainable travel agenda and are fully cognisant of the policies
set out in the “National Cycle Policy Framework, 2009” and “Smarter Travel, A Sustainable
Transport Future, 2009”. We have been striving to deliver on the targets set in these
documents over the past number of years in Clare and indeed within the County we have
completed a number of pieces of infrastructure recently, as well as instilling the smarter travel
agenda into Local Area Plans, Green Infrastructure Plans, planning application assessments
and we are also planning for the future with projects such as the West Clare Railway
Greenway.
Ennis Town
Indeed, whilst we did not receive any funding to develop a cycling strategy for Ennis town in
the last round of Active Travel Towns Funding, we placed a high importance on such a
strategy and decided to be proactive and develop a strategy in house. This strategy was
developed under the recently formed Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) group set
up to deliver a sustainable travel element to the Ennis Area Development Plan which is
currently being reviewed. The group consisted of Planners, Architects, Engineers and
Tourism executives which proved to be very constructive when developing the strategy.
The Strategy itself was developed using the guidance for Network Development as laid out in
the recently published National Cycle Design Manual, 2011. This work consisted of the steps
as laid out below.
Step 1: Inventory of Existing Cycling Regime
Mapping all the existing cycling infrastructure in the Town, including cycle lanes, cycle
parking, shortcuts, punch through’s, recreational paths, major trip attractors such as schools,
employment centres and shopping areas, as well as accident locations involving cyclists. Also
junctions perceived to be difficult to negotiate along the routes were identified.
Step 2: Understanding Trip Demand and the Potential for Cycling Trips
The Census 2011 Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) and the Place Of Work and
School/College Anonymised Records (POWSCAR) data was analysed and mapped using
Mapinfo Software. The generated maps indicated in thematic form the origins of the people
travelling to the schools and the major employment centres. Crucially we only used data for
those workers and students originating and commuting within Ennis.
Step 3: Trip Assignment to the Network
An assessment of the trips being made based on safety directness and quality of service was
done to ascertain if the routes currently being used could be improved or if other routes
should be concentrated on to achieve say a safer route.
Step 4: Trip Forecast
The existing employment centres are likely to remain as they are well into the future as there
is land available around each to expand so future forecasting in this respect just reflects this.
Also it is planned that the links will be made to the West Clare Railway Greenway and the
National Cycle Network and nearby towns of Barefield, Quin and Kilmaley.
Step 5: Urban and Transport Planning
A Feasibilty Study on the requirement for a Town Bus Service in Ennis was carried out early
in 2013 and this indeed established that there is such a requirement through certain sections
of the Town - this report also used similar census analysis such as that described above to
ascertain the feasibility.
The Road Design Section of the Council is fully aware and supportive of the sustainable travel
aspirations for Ennis Town and as such, Low Cost Safety schemes and Road Safety
schemes are designed to also cater for pedestrians and cyclists. It is particularly important
that when junctions are being treated that this opportunity is used to install Advance Stop
Lines (ASLs) at traffic signal junctions and also that any traffic calming, widening or other
schemes also cater for cycling and walking and this type of holistic approach is being actively
practiced in the Road Design section.
Step 6: Prioritising Improvements
For the Strategy a number of specific improvements were identified and ranged from
infrastructural improvements such as installation of a cycle track and lanes, cycle parking as
well as junction improvements to behavioural change initiatives such as a town signage
scheme, installation of a 30 kph speed limit in the Town Centre, a Town zoning arrangement
for cyclists, and a Park and Stride Strategy.
Step 7: Programme, Consultation, Budgets
The specific route improvements have been itemised in the cycling strategy and it is hoped
that with funding from the Active Travel Towns budget as well as our own resources a number
of the measures identified will be implemented in the coming years.
Shannon Town
For Shannon Town the prevailing strategy for Walking and Cycling has been outlined in the
Shannon Town Local Area Plan 2012, Chapter 11 and the Green infrastructure Plan 2012.
Both of the strategies have undergone extensive Public consultation, in the form of the
Development Plan process and by way of agreement with Local Councillors.
Demonstration of Previous Commitment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Shannon – Ennis, National Cycle Network link (~€950k & CCC resources)
Ennistymon – Lahinch, National Cycle Network link (€400k & CCC resources)
5km cycle lanes at Shannon, Co. Clare (CCC Resources)
5km cycle lanes, Ennis, Co. Clare (CCC Resources)
Cycle/Pedestrian bridge over railway line at Quin road, Ennis (€300k)
Cycle/Pedestrian Tunnel under railway line on Tulla Road, Ennis (€100k)
Development of 2013 Ennis Cycle Strategy (CCC resources)
Development of Preliminary Design Report for West Clare Railway Greenway (CCC
Resources)
Land owner research and design progression with Seed Funding granted by the
Department for the West Clare Railway Greenway (€50k)
Participation in Bikeweek each year, with number of participants and events growing
each year (€5k annually & CCC resources)
Shannon – Limerick National Cycle Network link, Discussions ongoing with Limerick
CC with a view to joint application for NCN 2013 competition
Clare County Council hosted Cycle Infrastructure Design Training, deliverwed by
Dutch firm Mobycon and using Ennis Town as the subject area for the training
We have a dedicated Cycling and Sustainable Travel Officer in place who is progressing in
association with the Road Design office, the Smarter Travel Agenda and Cycling in general
within the County and we have quite a lot of work done to date. We are anxious to build on
the solid foundations already laid from a Smarter Travel point of view and hopefully your
Department will see fit to confirm funding on foot of the attached proposals.
First and foremost, I’d appreciate your consideration of the attached proposals and I look
forward to hearing from you – many thanks.
Yours sincerely,
________________________________________
Tom Tiernan
Senior Engineer, Roads Section, Clare County Council, 065 6846214 [email protected]
Ennis Active Travel Town Application
Contents
1. Cover Letter
2. Application Form Active Travel Towns Funding Scheme 2013-2014
3. 2013 Ennis Cycling Strategy
4. 2013 Ennis & Environs Green Infrastructure Plan
5. Ennis Walking Strategy Map 2013
6. 2011 Ennis Electoral Areas Census Data Commuting
7. Memo: Application of DMURS to Ennis
8. Smarter Travel Workplaces Survey and Report for Clare County Council
9. Ennis Park & Stride Strategy
10. Supporting Letter – Clare Trails Steering Committee
11. Supporting Letter – An Taisce Green Schools
12. Supporting Letter – Clare Sports Partnership
13. Supporting Letter – Ennis Transition Towns
14. Supporting Letter – Ennis Tidy Towns
15. Supporting Letter – Clare Health Promotion Unit, HSE
16. 2013 Bikeweek Report
17. Supporting Documentation from NRA – Cycling Accident data, Ennis
18. Preliminary Report West Clare Railway Greenway
19. Lees Road Sports and Recreation Park information
20. Report – The Feasibility of a Town Bus Service in Ennis
ActiveTravelTownsFundingScheme201416ApplicationForm
Section1:ProjectTitle:
NameandAddressofLocal
Authority
ClareCountyCouncil,NewRoad,Ennis,Co.Clare
Contactperson/proposed
projectmanager
IanChaplin
Telephone
0656846258
email
[email protected]
Townproposedforthe
implementationofActive
TravelTownsStrategy
Ennis
Populationoftown
20,209 (census 2011)
Planneddurationof
project/works(months).
18months
Plannedstartdate
June2014
Section2:ProjectDetail
Brieflyoutlinethedetailsofproposalsfor
thedevelopmentofwalkingandcycling
infrastructureandidentifytheelements
ofexistingwalkingandcyclingstrategy
thatareproposedforthisproject.
(Detailedscheduleofworksshouldbe
includedinyourmainprojectproposal)
TheproposedactionsforEnnisTownareasfollows:
x
x
InfrastructureImprovements
BehaviouralChangeInitiatives
Existingcommitmenttosmartertravelinthetown:
Wehaverecentlycompleteda€300kpedestrianand
cyclebridgeovertherailwaylineattheR352Quinroad
andwearenowhopingtoembellishthiskeypieceof
infrastructurewithlinkswithersidetothetownand
outskirts.Wearecurrentlyactivelyengagedinpreparing
plansfortheWestClareRailwayGreenwayforwhichwe
received€50kfundingfromtheDepartmentof
Transportearlierthisyear.Newcyclelaneshavebeen
constructedviaredidcationofexistingroadwayonthe
Kiladysertroad,weareallthetimelookingfor
1
opportunitiestoembellishthenetworkespeciallywith
LowCostSafetyschemesorwhenresurfacingandlining
istakingplace.ClareCountyCouncilhassigneduptobe
apartnerintheSmarterTravelWorkplacesinitiativeand
wehavetodatedoneatravelsurveyofallemployees
andarecommendationsreporthasissuedandwewill
beputtingsomeoftheseinplaceinthecomingmonths
inconjunctionwiththeNTAappointedfacilitator.In
2012wecompletedanimportantpieceofinfrastructure
ontheNationalCycleNetwork,theEnnistymonto
Lahinchlink,acycletrack3mwidebidirectionaland
shareduse.Thishasprovedtobeverypopularsince
opening.WehavealsoputinplacetheNCNlinks
betweenEnnisandShannon.Wehaveadedicated
cyclingofficerandweactivelyengageinBikeweekeach
year.
ProposedInfrastructureImprovements
Theinfrastructuralmeasuresproposedincludecycle
lane/trackprovisionvianewbuildaswellas
rededicationofexistingroadspace,trafficcalmingat
junctionsaswellasaTownCentrespeedlimitreduction
from50kphto30kph,smartertravelsignagescheme,
andcycleparkingscheme:
x JunctionImprovements:Itisproposedto
upgradethemainjunctionswithinthetownto
bemorecyclefriendlythantheyareintheir
currentstate.Upgradingthesejunctionsona
phasedandprioritisedbasiswillhelptoachieve
acohesiveandfullylinkednetworkforsections
ofthenetworkbetweenresidentialareasand
majortripattractors.Map3outlinesallthe
junctionsidentifiedforimprovement.
x CreationofTownCyclingZones:Itisproposed
tocreatethreezonesforcyclingwithinthe
town.Thezoneswillgivemoreprioritytothe
cyclistthaniscurrentlythecaseineachofthe
zonestherebyrecognisingthevulnerabilityof
cyclistsasaroaduserandcomplyingwiththe
DesignManualforUrbanRoadsandStreets
conceptofencouragingmoresustainabletravel
optionsviasaferstreetsandplacingcyclistsand
pedestriansatthetopoftheuserhieracrchy.
x 30km/hrspeedlimitintheinnerzoneortown
centre.Thestreetswithinthetowncentreare
generallyverynarroworwheretheyarewider,
thegeometrydictatesthatslowerspeeds
prevail.Becauseofthisa30km/hrspeedlimit
willonlybereinforcingwhatisalready
2
happeningandassuchshouldnotbe
contentious.
ItispropsedtoimprovecyclinginEnnisviathreeroute
specificimprovementmeasures:
1. R352TullaRoadtoGortRoadLink
2. R469QuinRoad
3. R458ClarecastletoBallymaleylink
1. R352TullaRoadtoGortRoadLinkThis
routehasbeenchosensoastodeliveralink
betweenthesignificantresidential
populationontheTullaroadandthemain
employmentcentresoftheGortRoad
IndustrialEstateandEnnisTownCentre
2. R469QuinRoadThisroutehasbeen
chosensoasdevelopcyclingandwalking
linkstopublictransportinthetown.Ennis
BusandRailwayStationispositionedonthe
edgeofthetownontheR469butalongthis
routealsoareClaresoccercountygrounds,
TravellerAccomodationsite,Doora
Industrialestate,QuinRd.Industrialestate,
ClareMart,BruachNaHabhainnhousing
estateandEnnisTownCentre
3. R458ClarecastletoBallymaleylink–This
routehasbeenchosensoastoconnecta
numberofmajortripattractorsinthetown
whilstalsoservingasthenextsectiononthe
NationalCycleNetworkbetweenEnnisand
Lahinch.TheroutewillbeginatClareabbey
wherethecurrentcyclelanesfrom
Clarecastleterminate.Asignificantjunction
improvementwillberequiredacrossthe
existingN85Clareabbeyroundaboutwhich
issituatedalongthebusyN85Western
ReliefRoad.Notwithstandingthisdifficulty,
asignificantemploymentcentreexistsat
theRocheIrelandfacilityinClarecastle,also
EnnisTownisamajortripattractorfor
Clarecastleresidentsandwhilsttheselinks
arebeingestablishedtheNationalCycle
Networkisalsobeingembellished.The
routeterminatesatBallymaleyindustrial
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estateandtravelleraccommodationsiteand
thislinktoBallymaley,whichisalongtheold
whereadequatewidthexistsfromtheGortRod
toBallymaleyandbeyondtothenearbyvillage
ofBarefieldtoinstallonroadsegregatedcycle
lanessimilartowhathasbeeninstalledaround
thecountryondeclassifiednationalroutes(now
regionalroads).
Brieflyoutlinedetailsofhowproposed
infrastructuralmeasureswillbe
supportedbyalliedbehaviouralchange
interventions.
ProposedBehaviouralChangeInitiatives
CycleParkingatprominentandconvenient
locationsaroundthetown.Webelievethatcycle
parkingwhilstservinganinfrastructuralneedin
termsofcycleparking,alsofulfilsabehavioural
changeroleviabeingprominentlylocatedand
therebypromotingcyclingbytheirverypresence
TownSmarterTravelSignageScheme,involving
directionalandinformationalsignageplacedaround
thetownalongthemainroutesinformingof
distancestomajortripattractionsaswellastimesto
bothcycleandwalkthatdistancefortheaverage
person.Wefeelthatthistypeofsignagehelpsina
hugewaytocreatingbehaviouralchangeby
informingthepublicofactualtimesforbothcycling
andwalkingformparticularlocationstomajortrip
attractions.
CommunityInvolvementviaengagementwithlocal
cyclingclubs,FacebookpageandTwitteraccount.It
isenvisagedthataFacebookandTwittercampaign
besetuptotryandengagewiththelocal
communitywhoareonline.Hereitisenvisagedthat
cyclecounterinformationmaybeimpartedand
surveysmaybecarriedoutbutalsodisseminationof
bikeweekactivitiesorotherbike,walkingrelated
activitiesmayalsobepromoted.Wearecurrently
strivingtobringtogetherpartnerswithsimilaraims
inthisarea,suchastheClareSportsPartnetrship,
GreenSchoolsTravelofficer,EnnisTownCouncil,
EnnisTidyTownsetc.andhopetobeabletodeliver
informationinthisareainamorecohesivewayand
possiblythroughexistingaccountswhereuserbases
havealreadybeenbuiltup.AnEnnisapphasbeen
developedrecentlyandhasprovedtobevery
successfulandtheremaybescopeheretopromote
routes.
SmarterTravelWorkplacesinitiativetobe
introducedtoallemployerswithgreaterthan200
4
employeesintheTown.ClareCountyCouncilhas
alreadysigneduptothisinitiativeandthereisa
SmarterTravelWorkplacesfacilitatorcurrently
assigned.Atravelsurveyhasbeencarriedoutinthe
organisationandasetofspecificsolutionshave
beenearmarkedinareportthatissuedonfootof
thesurveyresults.Aseminarforlargeemployersin
theCountywasheldlastyearwhereanNTA
representativegaveapresentationtotheattendees
ontheSmarterTravelWorkplacesinitiative.
GreenSchoolsTravelFlagstobeachievedinall
schoolsintheTownInEnnisandit’senvirons3
schoolshavealreadyreceivedtheir4thGreenflagfor
Travelwhile4morelargeprimaryschoolsinthe
townhavejuststartedtheir4thgreenflagfortravel.
WearecurrentlyworkingwiththeAnTaisceGreen
SchoolsTravelofficertodevelopaparkandstride
strategyforallEnnisSchoolsandwehavealready
earmarkedmanysuitableparkandstridelocations
anddrawnupaplanfortheEnnisschoolsto
alleviateschooltrafficcongestion.Webelievethat
theGreenSchoolsprogrammeandParkandStride
initiativescanplayabigpartinrealisingsolutionsto
longtermmodalshiftontheschoolruninthetown.
CurrentlyforexampleEnnisNationalSchool,intheir
workontheTravelflaghave,whatseemstobethe
largestwalkingbusinIreland.Thereisadaily
walkingbusofover150pupilsgoingtotheschool
whichhasplayedahugepartinreducingtraffic
congestion.HeretheGreenSchoolsTravelofficer,
schoolcommunity,EnnistownCouncilandtheR.S.O
allworkedtogethertocreaterealbehavioural
changewithregardtothechoicesparentsmakein
gettingtheirchildrentoschool.
5
Section3:ProjectCosts2014to2016
Foreachprojectelement
provide:
Keycosts/works(e.g.
infrastructure,land
purchasing,clearance
works,repairworksetc.)
Behaviouralchange
Evaluationmeasures
(includingbeforeandafter
measurementcosts)
EstimatedCost
€
Planneddrawdowndate
1. R352TullaRoad €125,000
toGortRoadLink
2. R469QuinRoad €175,000
€125,000
October 2016
€175,000
October 2016
€300,000
€300,000
October 2016
€25,000
€25,000
October 2016
€25,000
€25,000
October 2016
€650,000
€650,000
October 2016
3. R458Clarecastle
toBallymaley
junction
improvements
4. CycleParking
5. TownSignage
Scheme
Total
6
RequestedDTT&S
contribution
€
Section4:EvaluationMethodology,TargetsforModalShiftandDeliveryreports
Provideproposalsforanevidencebasedassessmentofpotentialdemandintermsoflocalusersand
potentialvisitorandtouristusernumbers.Brieflyoutlinethepercentagetargetchangeintravel
modesandhowthischangewillbemeasuredbylocalauthorities.
EvaluationreportswillberequestedbytheDepartmentoncompletionoftheproject.
N.B.Itshouldbenotedthatinpreviousprogrammes,insufficientemphasiswasgivenby
LocalAuthoritiestotheevaluationoftheprojectsoncecompleted.Thissectionshould
includeinformationonhowlocalauthoritiesplantomeasureshiftintravelmodes,the
currentcyclingandwalkingpercentages,thetargetsforincreasingwalkingandcyclingand
theirplanstomeasurethischange.
Applicationsreceivedunderthisroundmustalsoincludeanevidencebasedassessmentof
potentialdemandintermsoflocalusersandpotentialvisitorandtouristusernumbers.
Assessmentshouldincludeevidencebasedestimatesofannualusernumbersandimpact
onlocaleconomy,includingintermsofjobcreation.
Failuretoprepareadequatelyforthiselementcouldresultinanunsuccessfulapplication.
SomespecifictargetshavebeenidentifiedwhichareinkeepingwithNationalPolicyobjectivesas
wellastheEnnisCyclingStrategy.Thesetargetsareasfollows:
x
x
x
Toreversethedownwardtrendwherebycyclingandwalkingdecreasedfrom2006levelsof
18.5%walking&1.75%cyclingto2011levelsof15.3%walkingand1.3%cycling.
Toincreasethemodalshareforcyclingjourneystoschoolandworkfromthe2011levelof
1.3%to5%by2018
Toincreasethemodalshareforwalkingjourneystoschoolandworkfromthe2011levelof
15.3%to20%by2018
Amidtermevaluationcanbegarneredfromthe2016censusdata.Thiswillalsoindicateifmeasures
implementedtothatpointareeffectiveornotandifnotshallgiveachancetorefocus.
Notwithstandingthe2016census,thefollowingmethodswillbeemployedtomonitorthemodal
shifttargets:
x
x
ManualCountsofwalkersandcyclistswillbeundertakenalongthemainroutestoandfrom
theresidentialareastotheemploymentandschoolcentres.Thiswillservetoestablishthe
baselinedata.
SchoolTravelSurveyswillbeconductedineachschooleachyearsoastoestablishtrends.
Thisisimportantasschoolsbytherenaturehavelargeinflowandoutflowofpupilseach
yearandwhilstaschoolcanengagewellwithamodalshiftstrategy,astimegoesbyand
pupilsmoveonthemodalshiftmaystarttoreverse,soitisimportanttobeabletocheck
7
x
x
thestatusannuallyandimplementmeasurestoreverseanynegativetrendsorrefocuson
thoseschoolswherereversetrendsareidentified.
WorkplaceTravelSurveystobeconductedbiannuallyastheworkforceusuallydoesnot
changetoosignificantlywithinsuchatimeframe
Electroniccounterstobeutilisedonthemainroutesonceestablishedalongsidevehicle
countersandvehiclespeedcounters.Thiswillestablishtherelationshipbetweentraffic,
cyclingandspeedandidentifyifanyfurthertrafficcalmingmeasuresarerequired.
WehaveanalysedtheSmallAreaPopulationStatistics(SAPS)Census2011dataindetailandhave
preparedGISmapsillustratingOriginandDestinationsforthemajortripattractorssuchasthe
schools,towncenterandtheIndustrialareasofthetown(GortRoad,QuinRoadandRochein
Clarecastle)wehaveestablishedthatalargeproportionofthecommutersarefromwithintheTown
andinthecaseoftheGortRoadIndustrialEstate,wefoundthatalargeproportionoftheworkers
originatedfromwithinthatareabutalsofromtheTullaRoad.Consequentlyweareproposingthe
Route1,R353TullaroadconnectiontotheGortRoadIndustrialEstate.
GISmapsillustratingtheoriginsforthemajortripattractionsanddestinationsofthemajor
residentialareaswillbeincludedwithhardcopypartoftheapplication.
Asignificantopportunityexistsherealongthisroutetocreatemodalshiftbecausetheroutewill
createasignificantshortcutonlyavailabletowalkersandcyclists.Alsothereisanopportunityto
involvesomeofthelargeremployersattheGortRoadIndustrialEstateintheSmarterTravel
Workplacesinitiativewhichwillfurtherincreasechancesofmodalshift.Andprobablymost
significantintermsofcyclingisthefactthatEnnisisveryflatandallareasofthetownarereachable
inaveryshortcyclingtimeframe.
NotableinEnnisistheabsenceofpublictransportaroundthetownsothisshouldallowformodal
shifttocyclingorwalkingalso.
ThePlaceofworkandschool/collegeannoymisedrecords(POWSCAR)censusdatafrom2011and
theSmallAreaPopulationStatistics(SAPS)datawereusedinconjunctionwithMapifoGISsoftware
toanalysethedataforthepurposesofthisproject.
In2011therewere5,656workersand5,203studentswhobothlivedandtravelledtoworkand
schoolintheElectoralDistricts(ED’s)ofEnnisTown,EnnisRuralandadjacentEDsofClareabbey,
Spancillhill,Templemaley,Kilnamona,Doora,BallyeaandKilraghtis.Thissuggestsasizeableamount
ofpopulationformodalshiftawayfromthecargiventhedistancesaremainlywithinthe05km
rangewhichisveryconvenientforcycling.
AWesternDevelopmentCommissionreportstatedthatin200639.4%ofEnnis’workingpopulation
livedandworkedinEnnisitself.Infact30.0%ofthelabourcatchmentonlytravelled04kmtowork,
afurther14.2%travelled49km,therefore44.2%ofthelabourcatchmentarecommutingadistance
easilyachievedviacycling
Againfromthe2011censusdata,Table9Personsaged15oroverclassifiedbytownofusual
residenceandplaceofwork,of8,288residentswithafixedplaceofwork,4.862workedinthe
town.Soagainsignificantnumbersofworkersareavailableformodalshifttooccur.
ItmustberememberedthatEnnisTownformtoptobottomisapproximately5.0kmandfromside
tosideisonlyabout3.0km.
8
Currentlevelsofcyclinginthetownatthelastcensusare177bywayofPopulationaged5yearsand
overbytimeleavinghometotraveltowork,schoolorcollege,takingintoaccountEnnisED1,2,3,
4,andEnnisRural.
Wehavesetatargetassetoutabovetoreversethedownwardtrendwherebycyclingandwalking
decreasedfrom2006levelsof18.5%walking&1.75%cyclingto2011levelsof15.3%walkingand
1.3%cycling.Weareproposing:
x Toincreasethemodalshareforcyclingjourneystoschoolandworkfromthe2011levelof
1.3%to5%by2018
x Toincreasethemodalshareforwalkingjourneystoschoolandworkfromthe2011levelof
15.3%to20%by2018
ItisenvisagedthattherewillbetangiblejobcreationviathedevelopmentofcyclingintheTownand
withitsconnections.ItishopedtoestablishEnnisasacyclinghubwithconnectionstothefollowing:
x BurrenGeopark
x ShannonInternationalAirport
x WestClareRailwayGreenway
x Lahinch
WewouldenvisagethattheWestClareRailwayGreenwaycouldbecomeafantastictourism
generatorandcreatejobsandaninputintothelocaleconomyviaincreasedusageofBikehire
companies,hotelandB&Baccommodation,restaurantsandpubs.Wewouldbestrivingtoemulate
theWestportandGreatWesternGreenwaymodelwith‘EnnisandtheWestClareRailway
Greenway’.WefeelthatthebrandingisveryimportantandastheWestClareRailwayisknown
worldwidethisisagreatstartwhichcouldcostasignificantamountofmoneytogeneratethesame
recognitionworldwide.
9
Section5:Projectsynergies
Outlinespecifically
(1) How the project aligns with other existing transport, tourism and sport
programmes/locations(e.g.otherinfrastructuralsmartertravelprogrammes,GreenSchools
programme,Workplacetravelplanning,touristattractions/visitorcentresetc.)
(2) Preciseproposedprojectpromotionandinformationdisseminationmeasures.
(3) Usermonitoringandreviewproposals.
(4) Staffingandotherresourcescommittedtotheproject
(1)ProjectAlignment
ThissetofproposalsareroutespecificandhavebeenidentifiedaspartoftheEnnisCyclingStrategy
andEnnisGreenInfrastructureStrategyandwithintheEnnisSUMPgroup(SustainableUrban
MobiltyPlanning)taskedwithrevisingtheEnnisLocalAreaDevelopmentPlan.
Route1,R352TullaRoadtoGortRoadLinkThisroutehasbeenchosensoastodeliveralink
betweenthesignificantresidentialpopulationontheTullaroadandthemainemploymentcentres
oftheGortRoadIndustrialEstateandEnnisTownCentre.
ThisroutealsoprovidesaveryvaluablelinkattheGortRoadjunctiontotheexcitingWestClare
RailwayGreenwayprojectwhichiscurrentlybeingdevelopedandwhichwasawarded€50,000seed
fundingearlierthisyearbytheDepartment.Wehavefinishedlandownerinvestigationandare
currentlypreparinganapplicationforPhase1toLeesRoad(Sportsandrecreationparkonthe
outskirtsofEnnis)tosubmittotheDepartmentaspartoftheNationalCycleNetworkfunding
competition.AsignificantresidentialpopulationresidesattheTullaroadandthelinktotheGort
RoadIndustrialestateandalsotoLeesRoadintime,viatheWestClareRailwayGreenwaywillhelp
tocreatemodalshiftfromacommuting,recreationalandtourismperspective.
Route2,R469QuinRoadThisroutehasbeenchosensoasdevelopcyclingandwalkinglinksto
publictransportinthetown.EnnisBusandRailwayStationispositionedontheedgeofthetownon
theR469butalongthisroutealsoareClaresoccercountygrounds,TravellerAccomodationsite,
DooraIndustrialestate,QuinRd.Industrialestate,ClareMart,BruachNaHabhainnhousingestate
andEnnisTownCentre.
Route3,R458ClarecastletoBallymaleylinkwithitsjunctionimprovementsservesanumberof
purposesincluding:
1. CreateslinkbetweentheendoftheNationalCycleNetworkatClareabbeyandtheTownof
Ennis.ConnectivityisalreadyinplacebetweenEnnisandShannon.Discussionsare
advanicingbetweenClareandLimerickauthoritiesinrelationtoajointNCNbidfora
10
LimerickShannonconnection.
2. CreatesalinktotheWestClareRailwayGreenway,whichhasadesignatedstartpointatthe
GortRoadjunctionandwillwhencompletedallowforpredominantlyoffroadcyclingto
LahinchfromEnnis
3. CreatesalinktoBallymaleytothenorthofthetown,whichisalongtheoldN18and
thereforeadequatewidthexistsfromtheGortRodtoBallymaleyandbeyondtothenearby
villageofBarefieldtoinstallonroadsegregatedcyclelanessimilartowhathasbeen
installedaroundthecountryondeclassifiednationalroutes(nowregionalroads).
(2)ProjectPromotion
Asexplainedabovealreadyitisproposedtopromotetheseimprovementsinvariouswaysincluding
thefollowing:
CycleParkingatprominentandconvenientlocationsaroundthetown.Webelievethatcycle
parkingwhilstservinganinfrastructuralneedintermsofcycleparking,alsofulfilsabehavioural
changeroleviabeingprominentlylocatedandtherebypromotingcyclingbytheirverypresence
TownSmarterTravelSignageScheme,involvingdirectionalandinformationalsignageplaced
aroundthetownalongthemainroutesinformingofdistancestomajortripattractionsaswellas
timestobothcycleandwalkthatdistancefortheaverageperson.Wefeelthatthistypeof
signagehelpsinahugewaytocreatingbehaviouralchangebyinformingthepublicofactual
timesforbothcyclingandwalkingformparticularlocationstomajortripattractions.
CommunityInvolvementviaengagementwithlocalcyclingclubs,FacebookpageandTwitter
account.ItisenvisagedthataFacebookandTwittercampaignbesetuptotryandengagewith
thelocalcommunitywhoareonline.Hereitisenvisagedthatcyclecounterinformationmaybe
impartedandsurveysmaybecarriedoutbutalsodisseminationofbikeweekactivitiesorother
bike,walkingrelatedactivitiesmayalsobepromoted.Wearecurrentlystrivingtobringtogether
partnerswithsimilaraimsinthisarea,suchastheClareSportsPartnetrship,GreenSchools
Travelofficer,EnnisTownCouncil,EnnisTidyTownsetc.andhopetobeabletodeliver
informationinthisareainamorecohesivewayandpossiblythroughexistingaccountswhere
userbaseshavealreadybeenbuiltup.AnEnnisapphasbeendevelopedrecentlyandhas
provedtobeverysuccessfulandtheremaybescopeheretopromoteroutes.
Alsowewouldbeusingthealreadyestablishedmethodsofpromotingprojectssuchasusingthe
CouncilsPRconsultanttoengagewithlocalradiostations,newspapersandissuingpressreleases.
(3)UserMonitoringandReview
Aswellastheprojectconstruction,abehaviouralchangeteamwillbesetuptoworkonbehavioural
changeandwillstemfromthealreadywellestablishedlinksbetweentheGreenSchoolsTravel
Officer,ClareSportsPartnership,RoadSafetyOfficer,Cyclingofficerandvariouscommunitygroups.
Thisgroupwillsetoutaimsandobjectivesforbehaviouralchangeandprogress,monitorand
evaluate.
Bikeweekhasproventobeinvaluableingettingtoknowthecommunitybetterandwehaveforged
linkswithEnnisChamberofcommerce,EnnisTidyTowns,EnnisTransitionTowns,EnnisCommunity
BikeGardaiaswellascyclingclubsandtheotherstakeholdersmentionedabove.
11
(4)Resourcestobeassignedtoproject
WehaveadedicatedCyclingofficerwhowillbeassignedtotheproject.AlsotheRoadDesign
SectionoftheCouncilwillprovidedesign,planningandprojectmanagementfunctionswhilstthe
EnnisAreaofficewillprovideconstructionworkers,supervisionandsitemanagement.
Section6:CommunityInvolvement
Outline evidence of community support including engagement and commitment of local and
voluntarybusinessgrouptoSmarterTravel.
ItisclearfromexistingongoingprojectsunderSmarterTravelthatthosewhichhavethesupport
andthepositiveengagementofthelocalandbusinesscommunitiesbestdelivertargetsformodal
shift.
Pleaseseesupportingletters/emailsfrom
1. AnTaisceGreenSchools
2. EnnisChamberofCommerce
3. EnnisTidyTowns
4. EnnisTransitionTowns
5. ClareSportsPartnership
6. HSEHealthPromotionServiceinClare
Asmentionedabove via bikeweekand otherinitiatives wehaveforgedverystrong links andhave
commongoalswiththeabovegroups.
12
AnnexI
Criteria
Assessment
1.
Theproposalrelatestooneofthetownsizesunderthethree
broadcategories.
Yes/No
2.
Localauthoritymusthaveawalkingandcyclingstrategyinplace
forthetown
Yes/No
Proposalssubmittedbylocalauthoritiesshouldbeasubsetof
theirexistingwalkingandcyclingstrategyandwouldencompass
acombinationofmeasureswhichcandelivermodalshiftsuchas
walkingandcyclinginfrastructuresupportedbyallied
behaviouralchangeinterventions,suchaseworking,traffic
managementmeasuresinformationdissemination,trafficcalming
andsharedstreetproposals.
MaximumScore
10
3.
LocalAuthoritiesmustbeabletodemonstratetheircommitment
tosmartertravelthroughexistingsmartertravelprojects,:Itis
consideredthatAuthoritiesalreadyshowingacommitmentto
sustainabletravelwillbegivenmorefavourableconsideration.
Thiswouldbeevidentthroughacoherentapproachdisplayedin
theirexistingwalkingandcyclingstrategies,previousown
resourcesinvestmentandthewillingnessbylocalauthoritiesto
commitstaffingandotherresourcestothedeliveryofthe
objectives.
MaximumScore
10
4.
LocalAuthoritymustbeabletodemonstratethatthe
commitmentoflocalcommunityhasbeensecured:focusonthe
levelofimportanceeachlocalauthorityattachestoengagement
13
5.
Maximumscore
15
withthewiderlocalandbusinesscommunityinachievingthe
goalsoutlinedintheirproposalonalongtermbasis.Evidenceof
communityinvolvementandthecommitmentoflocaland
voluntarybusinessgroupsiskeytoasuccessfulapplicationand
thedeliveryofSmarterTravelProgrammes.
Targetsmodalshifttowalkingandcycling:expecttoseeclear
targetsforincreasesinwalkingandcycling;reductionincar
modalshare;increaseinpublictransportuse,whereappropriate
Maximumscore
10
6.
7.
LocalAuthoritymustdemonstratethattherearecommittedto
evaluationandoutcomes.Thosethatcanclearlydemonstrate
detailsofhowtheyplantomeasureandevaluatesuccesswillbe
givenmorefavourableconsiderationthiswouldbeevident
throughshortandmediumtermplanstomeasuresuccess
throughbaselinesurveys,trafficcounts,carparkingreductions
surveys,walkingandcyclingsurveysetc.Thepotentialscoring
forthiscriteriareflectstheDepartment’srecognitionofthe
significanceofthiselement.
MaximumScore
Costofproposalsperheadofpopulationdetailedcostingsof
individualmeasures–includinghumanresources,infrastructure
costssoftmeasuresandevaluationmeasures;(30)
Maximumscore
25
8.
30
Termsandconditions:
Shouldfundingbeoffered,generaltermsandconditions,inlinewiththoseoutlinedbelowwould
apply.Inadditiontothesegeneraltermsandconditionsspecificconditionswillapply.Thesewill
include,butmaynotberestrictedtothefollowing:
14
1. Funded local authorities are responsible for future maintenance of any funded route or
other infrastructural measure and must ensure that the route/infrastructure quality,
standardandintegrityarefullymaintained.
2. Completed projects which successfully implement all deliverables identified at the outset
andachievethedesiredmodalshifttowalkingandcyclingwillbebrandedasActiveTravel
Towns.
GeneralTermsandConditions:
Thegranteeisresponsibleformanagementandimplementationoftheproject.Adesignatedproject
managerwillmanagetheproject.Thispersonwillbethecontactpointforallmattersrelatingtothe
project.
PaymentoftheGrant:
Thegranteeisresponsibleforensuringthataccurateaccountsofallexpenditurearemaintained,
includingrelevantinvoices,andthatanyappropriatedocumentation,asmaybespecifiedbythe
Departmentorrequestedfromtimetotime,isprovidedtotheDepartmentwithoutunduedelay.
Grantswillbemadeintheformofreimbursementofeligibleexpenditure,wherethisexpenditure
hasbeenadequatelyjustifiedbythegrantee.
Adequatelyjustifiedclaims,certifiedbyanofficerholdingaranknotlessthanDirectorofServices,
mustbemadetotheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportoncompletionoftheprojects.
Theclaimsmustbeaccompaniedbyappropriatedocumentation,asmaybespecifiedbythe
Department,tosupporttheclaims(andmustalsobeaccompaniedbyareportasoutlinedinthe
nextsection).
Forthepurposesofthiscondition,“adequatelyjustified”means(inadditiontothematerialreferred
tounder“ReportingObligations”below)–
x
x
x
A detailed description of the work to which the claim relates, photographic
evidence of completion of the carrying out of the grant aided work and
certificationthattherecoupmentclaimediseligibleunderthetermsofthegrant
andthatallconditionsofthegrantarebeingcompliedwith,
Whereservicesareprovidedbythirdpartiesortheprojectinvolvespurchaseof
goods,duplicatesofrelevantreceiptstowhichtheclaimrelates,and
Certification that no other funding has been or will be claimed or paid by any
otherStateagencyinrespectoftheworktowhichtheclaimrelates.
Paymentofgrantsisalsosubjecttocompliancebythegranteewiththereportingobligationssetout
inthefollowingsection.
Allaccountsandfinancial/projectmanagementsystemsmaybesubjecttoexaminationandauditby
theDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportand/orappointedrepresentativesofthe
Departmentandthegranteewillaffordtimelyandunimpairedaccesstoanyrecordrelevanttothe
project.
15
Thegranteeisrequiredtoreportinitsfinancialstatement,wheresuchastatementisproduced,that
agranthasbeenreceivedfromtheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportundertheSmarter
TravelProgramme;theamountandterm/periodofthetotalgrantandtheamountaccountedforin
thefinancialstatements(iflessthantheentireamount);whererelevant,theamountofcapital
providedandthereportingpoliciesbeingusedinrelationtopresentandfutureinstalments;and
whetherandhowtheuseofthegrantisrestricted(i.e.fortheparticularproject).
Reportingobligations
ThegranteeisobligedtoreportonprogresswiththeprojecttotheDepartmentofTransport,
TourismandSportonrequest.
Oncompletionoftheproject,thegranteemustsubmittoafinalreporttotheDepartment.Thefinal
reportmustquantitativelyandcriticallyevaluatetheprojectachievements,withreferencetothe
projectdeliverablesandtargets.TheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportwillbefreeto
circulatetheinterimandfinalreportsfreely,subjecttoacknowledgementofthegranteeasauthor.
AllreportsmaybepublishedontheDepartment’swebsites.Whereinterimorfinalreportscontain
informationofaconfidentialnature,thegranteemustalsoprovideareportsuitableforpublication.
DisseminationandCommunication&Publicity
Thegranteemustensurethatallactivities,publicity,andpromotionaleventsassociatedwiththe
projectmakereferencetothefundingreceivedfromtheDepartmentofTransport,Tourismand
SportandpublicisetheSmarterTravellogo.ThisconditionwillapplyshouldtheDepartmentretitle
theFundandamendthelogo.
Inthecaseofdeliveryofphysical/infrastructuralprojectsontheground,thegranteeisrequiredto
erectaSmarterTravelplaqueoranyothersignageprovidedbytheDepartment.
Thegranteemay,fromtimetotime,berequiredtoparticipateinmeetingshostedbythe
Departmenttoshareknowledgeandinformationonprogresswiththeproject.
Thegranteeisencouragedtopublicisetheprojectandraisepublicawarenessofsustainable
transport,andtheSmarterTravelpolicyoranysubsequentsustainabletravelandtransportpolicy,
whereverpossible.WherepossibletheDepartmentshouldbenotifiedinadvanceofanyplans
includinganypresentations,publicity,conferences,mediareleasesetc.Referencetothisaspectof
workshouldalsobemadeinreportstotheDepartment.
EvaluationofProjects
TheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSport,oritsrepresentatives,maywishtocarryout
independentevaluationoftheprojectsatanystageoftheproject,orindeedbeyondthelifetimeof
theprojectandpromptaccesstomaterialrelatedtotheprojectmustbeaffordedbythegrantee.
16
Liability
TheMinisterforTransport,TourismandSportandhisDepartmentshallnotbeliableforanyclaims
arisingfromtheproject.ThegranteeshallindemnifytheMinisterandhisDepartmentforandin
respectofallandanylosses,claims,demands,damages,orexpensessufferedbytheMinisterarising
fromanycausewhatsoever.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thetermsofthisconditionshallsurvive
terminationofthisagreementforanyreason.
Deviationsfromtheoriginalproposal
Anyproposalsfordeviationsfromtheagreedprojectmustbenotifiedinadvance,andagreedwith
theDepartment.TheDepartmentwillconsidersuchproposals,includinganyfundingorother
implications,onacasebycasebasisandreservestherighttodiscontinuefunding.
Granttermination
FundingisprovidedbytheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportonadiscretionarybasisto
thegranteeandtheDepartmentofTransport,TourismandSportreservestheright,inthecaseof
noncompliancebythegranteewiththesetermsandconditions,todiscontinuefundingwithone
month’snoticetothegranteewithoutliabilityforthefullgrant.
Withdrawalfromprojectbygrantee
Shouldagranteewithdrawfromaprojectinadvanceofcompletion,theDepartmentofTransport,
TourismandSportreservestherighttoseekrepaymentinpartorinfullofanygrantpaidtothe
grantee.
GeneralAdditionalUndertaking
Thegranteeundertakestoadheretoallrelevantobligations(e.g.regardingprocurement,
employmentlaw,usageofgrantfundingonlyforthepurposesagreedto,CapitalAppraisal
Guidelines,relevantcircularsetc.)whichapplytothecarryingoutoftheproject.
17
18
2014-2020
Clare County Council
Ennis Cycle Strategy
2014-2020
Cycle for Your Purse ................................................................................................. 2
3.5
Priority Projects ....................................................................................................... 5
5.2
Problems with the Existing Network ............................................................................ 7
Cycle Lane Type...................................................................................................... 7
6.2
6.3
The Network .......................................................................................................... 10
Page | 2
6.4.1 Area 1 Fergus River Lower and Gaurus Floodplain .................................................... 11
6.4
6.3.4 Cycle Ways ............................................................................................................ 9
6.3.3 Cycle Trails ............................................................................................................ 9
6.3.2 Standard Cycle Tracks ............................................................................................ 8
6.3.1 Standard Cycle Lanes ............................................................................................. 7
The Existing Network ................................................................................................ 6
The Cycle Network ...................................................................................................... 6
6.1
6.0
5.3 Specific Targets ........................................................................................................... 5
Overall Priorities ...................................................................................................... 4
5.1
Strategy Development ................................................................................................. 4
Cycle for Your Health ................................................................................................ 2
3.4
5.0
Cycle for the Environment ......................................................................................... 2
3.3
Survey and Analysis .................................................................................................... 3
Weather.................................................................................................................. 2
3.2
4.0
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2
3.1
Benefits of Cycling ...................................................................................................... 2
Existing Network ...................................................................................................... 6
2.2
3.0
Current Levels of Cycling .......................................................................................... 6
2.1
Background and Existing Characteristics ........................................................................ 6
Overall Objectives .................................................................................................... 5
1.2
2.0
Overall Vision .......................................................................................................... 4
Vision and Objectives .................................................................................................. 4
1.1
1.0
Executive Summary ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table of Contents
[Ennis Cycle Strategy]
Town Centre ....................................................................................................16
Specific Route Improvements ......................................................................................20
Behavioral Changes and Soft Interventions ...................................................................19
Appendices ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….37
8.1 Infrastructural Measures..............................................................................................21
8.0
7.0
6.5.3 Cycle Parking........................................................................................................18
6.5.2 Signage ...............................................................................................................18
6.5.1 Cycle Zones .........................................................................................................17
6.5 Other Measures ..........................................................................................................17
6.4.6
6.4.5 Area 5- Ballybeg ...................................................................................................15
6.4.4 Area 4- Claureen River and Ennis Golf Club ..............................................................14
6.4.3 Area 3- Lees Road to Watery Road ..........................................................................13
6.4.2 Area 2 -Gort Road and Link to Tulla Road ................................................................. 12
2014-2020
Page | 3
run by the National Transport Agency
For Clare County Council to actively participate in the Smarter Travel Workplaces initiative
To have every school to have a Green School Travel Flag by 2016
have a Travel Plans by 2016
To have every school and workplace with greater than 200 employees in Ennis Town to
2020)
journeys to school and work from the 2011 level of 1.3% to 5% by 2016 (and to 10% by
In order to meet the targets set out in the NCPF, to increase the modal share for cycling
1.75% cycling to 2011 levels of 1.3% cycling.
To reverse the downward trend whereby cycling and walking decreased from 2006 levels of
The overall objective of this strategy is to:
friendly. This strategy is therefore a step towards the implementation of this objective.
appropriate, the necessary physical infrastructure to make cycling and footpaths more user-
encourage sustainable, environmentally friendly modes of transport; b) To provide, where
It is an objective of the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017 to a) To promote and
cycling
44.2% of the labour catchment therefore commute a distance easily that is easily achieved by
30.0% of the labour catchment travelled 0-4km to work and a further 14.2% travelled 4-9km.
report stated that in 2006 39.4% of Ennis’ working population lived and worked in Ennis itself.
east to south and as such is easily commutable by bicycle. A Western Development Commission
Ennis Town is unique in that it is relatively flat and is circa 6km from north to west and 3km from
Cultivating a Cycling Culture so far as funding and other resources permit.
Council) is committed to delivering the aims and objectives of the NCPF and its own objective of
trips to work or school by bicycle (2011 Census). Clare County Council (hereafter referred to as the
being by bicycle by 2020. The town starts its journey towards this objective with a modest 1.3% of
The NCPF has set challenging targets for increases in cycle use with the goal of 10% of all trips
wider public realm, a stronger economy and an enhanced environment for all.
make towards improving the quality of life and health of individuals whilst also contributing to the
transport including cycling. In particular, the NCPF recognizes the contribution that cycling can
the NCPF) has set a new transport agenda in Ireland with an increased emphasis on sustainable
2009-2020 followed by the National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020 (hereafter referred to as
The publication by the government in 2009 of Smarter Travel - a Sustainable Transport Future
Executive Summary
the greatest returns in terms of modal shift to the bicycle.
It is considered that the implementation of the required infrastructure on these routes will result in
Route 3- R458 Clarecastle to Ballymaley link
Route 2- R469 Quin Road
Route 1 - R352 Tulla Road to Gort Road Link
In addition to the above the strategy details out three Specific Route Improvements
measures.
peoples mindset. These soft interventions are very much as important as the infrastructural
to cycle rather than drive to work and school. Infrastructure measures along will not change the
detailed to instigate behavioral change regarding cycling - to make it a normal part of our routine
targets as set out above. In addition, proposals for ‘Soft Interventions’ - promotional campaigns are
Strategy, the infrastructure which is required to increase commuting by cycling and meet the
In the chapters that follow, the details of the analysis and objectives are set out as is the Cycle
2014-2020
Vision and Objectives
all members of the community to cycle at all life stages and
Overall Vision
Page | 4
purposes Ennis is ideal, its flat terrain means that cycling in any direction to any of the town’s
relatively flat and there are no major hills to speak of within the town. Consequently, for cycling
Ennis Town is a relatively compact town and is situated on the river Fergus. Its topography is
messages educating drivers how to engage safely with cyclists on the road.
with the car is tantamount to creating a strong cycling culture, along with continued road safety
The re-education of the public as to the right of cyclists to avail of the public road space equally
10% of all trips being made by bicycle can achieved.
Through implementing the actions set out in Chapter 8 of this document the ambitious target of
Just like other road users cyclists deserve a safer, easier and more enjoyable travelling experience.
behavioural change to infrastructure provision.
the town will be achieved into the future. This will be achieved by a range of measures from
Through the development of a cycling strategy for Ennis it is hoped that a strong cycling culture for
10% of all trips being by bicycle by 2020.
environment for all. The NCPF has set challenging targets for increases in cycle use with the goal of
whilst also contributing to the wider public realm, a stronger economy and an enhanced
contribution that cycling can make towards improving the quality of life and health of individuals
emphasis on sustainable transport including cycling. In particular, the NCPF recognizes the
(hereafter referred to as the NCPF) has set a new transport agenda in Ireland with an increased
Transport Future 2009-2020 followed by the National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020
to the year 2020. The publication by the government in 2009 of Smarter Travel - a Sustainable
The Ennis and Environs cycle strategy sets out the vision for the promotion of a cycling culture up
1.1
and economic benefits to both the individual and the community.
abilities as a mode of sustainable transport that delivers environmental, health
and facilitates
appropriate infrastructure and promotional measures, that positively encourages
To cultivate a cycling culture, through the provision and implementation of
1.0
between major origins and destinations in the town are at the most only 6km – a 20 minute cycle
destinations is far less challenging than cycling in other towns across Ireland. The distances
2014-2020
1.2
Page | 5
that
the
road
infrastructure
(with
the
exception
of
motorways)
is
Promote cycling using soft interventions such as promotional campaigns
Business Park
council offices, start of West Clare Railway Route (Lees Road) and Gort Road
Provide public bikes in the town centre and at agreed locations in the periphery e.g.
Ensure proper integration between cycling and public transport.
public nodes in the town centre
Ensure that there is secure cycle parking located at all public buildings and at agreed
standard
Ensure that all cycle routes both urban and rural routes are signposted in an agreed
left with a smooth surface suitable for cycling.
any upgrading of existing roads or any other works to roads ensure that the road is
Ensure that all new road surfaces have smooth surfaces for cycling and ensure that
within the schools and training for pupils
Provide cycle friendly routes to all schools and provide for adequate bicycle facilities
cycling route
and in particular develop the route of the West Clare Railway as a walking and
Provide designated rural cycle networks especially for visitors and recreational cycling
designed/retrofitted so as to be cycle friendly
Ensure
Implement a cycle network as set out in Chapter X of this plan
reduce the need to travel by car.
or any other works in the public realm require measures to support cycling and
these plans and strategies that there are objectives to ensure that new developments
plans and strategies support cycling as a stated objective and to ensure through
Ensure that the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, other non-statutory
Overall Objectives
Fig 1.2 Photomontage of proposed Mandatory Cycle Path along Bank Place
Prepare Sustainable Transport Plans for all employment hubs within the Ennis Area
cycle counters where new routes are constructed)
Evaluate cycling policy and monitor its success as the measure are implemented (e.g.
works and private development works are sustainable transport ‘proofed’
full time basis within this role and ensure that all developments both local authority
Provide for a Sustainable Transport Officer within the Local Authority working on a
Improve cyclists and drivers behavior on the road to ensure safety for both users.
Support provision of fiscal incentives to cycle
2014-2020
Current Levels of Cycling
2.1
Existing Network
Page | 6
quality of the infrastructure provided.
The existing network provision amounts to 5.0km much of which is underused due to the poor
Bicycle Parking at public buildings and at strategic locations within the town centre.
Clarecastle lanes both sides leading to Ennis, along the National Cycle Network
Drumcliff Road cycle track, one side only,
Tulla Road cycle lanes, both sides,
pieces of Infrastructure include:
at that time. Since then, some cycle infrastructure has been developed in the town. These existing
cycling in the town and strove to adhere to the policies, guidance and design principles in practice
An existing Cycle Network Strategy developed in 2008 set out broadly a range of objectives for
2.2
pursuing more active lifestyles on the other, a return to the bike becomes a very sensible option.
congestion and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on the one hand and the health benefits of
2% in 2006. As we become increasingly aware of issues such as lengthening journey times, traffic
Nationally the numbers using the bike for commuting fell from 7% in 1986, to 4.2% in 1996 and to
or college (CSO, 2011 and 2006)
This table illustrates all commuters in Ennis over 5 years of age by means of travel to work, school
The table below shows that Ennis has cycling levels which is well below the national average of 3%.
Background and Existing Characteristics
2.0
Source: CSO 2011, 2006
15, 727
253
Not Stated
Total
1,131
---
3,379
7,245
42
Other
Van
Car Passenger
Car Driver
Motorcycle or Scooter
83
403
Bus/Minibus/Coach
Train
275
2,916
2006
Bicycle
On Foot
Mode
15, 233
522
332
527
3,780
7,111
28
88
319
200
2,326
2011
-494
269
-799
401
-134
-14
+5
-84
-75
-590
Change
1.6%
7.2%
21.5%
46.1%
0.27%
0.52%
2.56%
1.75%
18.5%
Split
2006
Modal
3.4%
2.1%
3.45%
24.8%
46.7%
0.18%
0.58%
2.09%
1.3%
15.3%
Split
Modal
2011
Table 2.1 - Commuters over 5 years of age by means of travel to work, school or college
2014-2020
Weather
Cycle for the Environment
Page | 2
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3.3
these as you won't get to wear them very often!
waterproof trousers to wear when the rain is heavy but you needn't bother spending too much on
Overall minimum costs saved from giving up a car €3,500 for 5,000 miles or €4,400 for 10,000
miles
1
Figure 3.1. Cycling In Copenhagen
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probably worth your while investing in a nice breathable waterproof jacket. You can also get
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Cycle for Your Purse
Amsterdam (804mm), a city that has a strong cycling culture.
parts of the country. The average annual rainfall in Ennis is just slightly more than that of
Rainfall in Ennis is on average of just under 986mm rain per year compared with 2800mm in other
3.2
pretty much exactly how long it’s going to take you so you can leave the house later.
traffic. One of the best things about cycling to work is the predictability of journey times. You know
3.5
work at an average speed of 20km/hr you'd be in work in 15 minutes.
Apart from saving money and keeping fit, there’s nothing better than gliding past cars stuck in
JHQHUDOO\KDYHORZHUOHYHOVRIREHVLW\LQWKHQXPEHURINLORPHWUHVWUDYHOOHGSHUSHUVRQSHUGD\LQ
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Almost 45% of people working in Ennis travel less than 5km (just over 3 miles) to work. That's a
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short distance to cycle and can be a lot quicker than commuting by car. If you were to cycle 5km to
Introduction
3.1
Cycle for Your Health
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3.4
2014-2020
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Benefits of Cycling
3.0
Survey and Analysis
of commuter cyclists.
these routes would potentially get the greatest number of users thus increasing the number
the most used commuter routes and formulating a network for those routes then statistically
This evidence based data is therefore used to prioritise infrastructural works. By targeting
from the map the most commuters originate from the Tulla Road.
This map shows indicatively from which direction commuters originate from. As can be seen
These origin-destination maps were collated into a single map as shown in Figure 1 below.
as set out in Appendix
destination were calculated (on a per destination basis). These were plotted on Maps X1-X12
Using Small Area Population Statistic Data (SAPS) the number of trips from origin to
the commuting population that could potentially cycle to and from work
Only trips up to 5km in length were identified, the rationale been that this is the cohort of
destinations.
centre, Roche Ireland and the Gort Road Industrial Park were identified as primary
purposes of this study, all the primary and national schools, public buildings, the town
Trip Origins and Destinations were plotted on a baseline map. In this respect and for the
Page | 3
it easily commutable by bicycle.
Ennis Town from north to south is approximately 5.0km and from east to west about 3.0km making
distance easily achieved by cycling
work, a further 14.2% travelled 4-9km. Therefore 44.2% of the labour catchment are commuting a
lived and worked in Ennis itself. In fact 30.0% of the labour catchment only travelled 0-4km to
A Western Development Commission report stated that in 2006 39.4% of Ennis’ working population
which is convenient for cycling.
population for modal shift away from the car given the distances are mainly within the 0-5km range
Spancillhill, Templemaley, Kilnamona, Doora, Ballyea and Kilraghtis. This suggests a sizeable
school in the Electoral Districts (ED’s) of Ennis Town, Ennis Rural and adjacent EDs of Clareabbey,
In 2011 there were 5,656 workers and 5,203 students who both lived and travelled to work and
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
surveyed and Central Statistic Office (CSO) data analyzed as follows:
In line with the recommendations as set out in the National Cycle Manual, the study area was
4.0
Ballybeg
Figure 4.1 Commuter Flows (Indicative Map)
Shanaway Rd
Clarecastle
Town Centre
Gort Rd
approach. These priority projects are set out below under Section 8.
Tulla Rd
A number of priority projects therefore are formulated on the basis of this evidence based
2014-2020
centres and shopping areas, as well as accident locations involving cyclists. Also junctions perceived
Page | 4
also used similar census analysis such as that described above to ascertain the feasibility.
indeed established that there was a requirement between certain sections of the Town, this report
A Feasibilty Study on the requirement for a bus in Ennis was carried out early in 2013 and this
Step 5: Urban and Transport Planning
Network and nearby towns of Barefield, Quin and Kilmaley.
planned that the links will be made to the West Clare Railway Greenway and the National Cycle
available around each to expand so future forecasting in this respect just reflects this. Also it is
The existing employment centres are likely to remain as they well into the future as there is land
Step 4: Trip Forecast
concentrated on to achieve say a safer route.
to ascertain if the routes currently being used could be improved or if other routes should be
An assessment of the trips being made based on safety directness and quality of service was done
Step 3: Trip Assignment to the Network
originating and commuting within Ennis.
the major employment centres. Crucially we only used data for those workers and students
Recreational and tourism trips, including countryside access to long distance and rural routes
3.
4.
train station or bus stop
Trips to and from public transport interchanges as part of onward journeys to work e.g. to
and the national cycling network
Other utility trips i.e. trips to shops, leisure facilities etc.
2.
5.
Trips to school
Trips to work
1.
any combination of these:
the following cycling activities by way of provision of infrastructure, promotion and marketing or
Council through the various policies set out hereunder will focus its attention in order of priority on
To deliver its contribution to local and national goals in terms of increasing commuter cycling, the
Overall Priorities
measures identified will be implemented in the coming years.
Anonymised Records (POWSCAR) data was analysed and mapped using Mapinfo Software. The
5.1
with funding from the Active Travel Towns budget as well as own resources a number of the
The Census 2011 Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) and the Place Of Work and School/College
generated maps indicated in thematic form the origins of the people travelling to the schools and
The specific route improvements have been itemised in the cycling strategy and it is hoped that
Step 2: Understanding Trip Demand and the Potential for Cycling Trips
Step 7: Programme, Consultation, Budgets
Strategy.
shortcuts, punch through’s, recreational paths, major trip attractors such as schools, employment
to be difficult to negotiate along the routes were identified.
improvements to behavioural change initiatives such as a town signage scheme, installation of a 30
kph speed limit in the Town Centre, a Town zoning arrangement for cyclists, and a Park and Stride
Mapping all the existing cycling infrastructure in the Town, including cycle lanes, cycle parking,
improvements such as installation of a cycle track and lanes, cycle parking as well as junction
For the Strategy a number of specific improvements were identified and ranged from infrastructural
Step 6: Prioritising Improvements
approach is being actively practices in the Road Design section.
Step 1: Inventory of Existing Cycling Regime
below.
recently published National Cycle Design Manual, 2011. This work consisted of the steps as laid out
calming, widening or other schemes also cater for cycling and walking and this type of holistic
house Planners, Architects, Engineers and Tourism personnel.
The Strategy itself was developed using the guidance for Network Development as laid out in the
and cyclists. It is particularly important that when junctions are being treated that this opportunity
is used to install Advance Stop Lines (ASLs) at traffic signal junctions and also that any traffic
group set up within the council to deliver a sustainable travel strategy.. The group consisted of in
The Council is fully aware and supportive of the sustainable travel aspirations for Ennis Town and as
such, Low Cost Safety schemes and Road Safety schemes are designed to also cater for pedestrians
Strategy Development
2014-2020
This strategy was developed under the recently formed Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP)
5.0
7.
cycling, proposed routes must take into account journey length and where possible,
Workplace Travel Surveys to be conducted bi-annually as the workforce usually does not change
and vehicle speed counters. This will establish the relationship between traffic, cycling and speed
and identify if any further traffic calming measures are required.
To increase the modal share for cycling journeys to school and work from the 2011 level
of 1.3% to 5% by 2018
Page | 5
Electronic counters to be utilised on the main routes once established alongside vehicle counters
too significantly within such a timeframe
trends are identified.
traffic and where possible within sight of public or private CCTV cameras.
implement measures to reverse any negative trends or refocus on those schools where reverse
transportation hubs. Cycle parking should be secure, away from vehicular and pedestrian
Buildings, at town centre locations and
modal shift may start to reverse, so it is important to be able to check the status annually and
Cycle Parking: Should be provided at all public
a school can engage well with a modal shift strategy, as time goes by and pupils move on the
School Travel Surveys will be conducted in each school each year so as to establish trends. This
is important as schools by there nature have large inflow and outflow of pupils each year and whilst
of debris, grit and glass. Cycle lanes should be adequately drained and surface water should
not be allowed to pond.
generic cycle signage
data.
surface discourages cyclists. Cycle Lanes should be maintained regularly to keep them free
Is adequately signposted: For ease of wayfinding all routes should be signposted with
residential areas to the employment and school centres. This will serve to establish the baseline
Manual Counts of walkers and cyclists will be undertaken along the main routes to and from the
shift targets:
Provides for a smooth surface to cycle on: A cycle route that has a rough and potholed
to a destination discourages users
route should be continuous between origin and destination. A cycle route that stops half way
Provides continuous cycle infrastructure between origin and destination. A cycling
(ASL’s)
Notwithstanding the 2016 census, the following methods will be employed to monitor the modal
measures implemented to that point are effective or not and if not shall give a chance to refocus.
of transport
Provides for cyclist priority at signalized junctions: Using Advanced Stacking Locations
A mid term evaluation can be garnered from the 2016 census data. This will also indicate if
commuter time by cycling over that of driving will encourage cycling as the preferred mode
infrastructure should be put in place to make the journey as short as possible. A shorter
run by the National Transport Authority
To try and put in place a Park and Stride Strategy for all schools in Ennis Town
For Clare County Council to actively participate in the Smarter Travel Workplaces initiative
6.
Provides for the shortest route between origin and destination: In order to encourage
For every school to have a Green School Travel Flag by 2018
5.
take precedence over that of the car as the cyclist is the more vulnerable road user.
Travel Plans by 2018
done in such a way as to make the cyclist feel safe on the roads. Safety of the cyclist must
Safe: In order to encourage commuter cycling, any infrastructure implemented must be
For every school and workplace with greater than 200 employees in Ennis Town to have a
15.3% to 20% by 2018
To increase the modal share for walking journeys to school and work from the 2011 level of
1.3% to 5% by 2018
To increase the modal share for cycling journeys to school and work from the 2011 level of
18.5% walking & 1.75% cycling to 2011 levels of 15.3% walking and 1.3% cycling.
To reverse the downward trend whereby cycling and walking decreased from 2006 levels of
Target 1
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
4.
3.
In order to encourage commuter cycling it will be necessary to implement cycle infrastructure that
is (in order of priority)
2.
this will have the greatest impact in terms of meeting local and national objectives.
considered that if these cohorts change their mode of commuter transport from car to bicycle that
prioritised in this case as set out above, trips to school are prioritised before trips to work as it is
1.
well as this strategy. These targets are as follows:
conjunction with the same, regard must be had to the cohort of commuters that are to be
Some specific targets have been identified which are in keeping with National Policy objectives as
5.3 Specific Targets
which currently carry the most commuters are prioritised in terms of infrastructure provision. In
Priority Projects
2014-2020
As stated above, priority projects for the study area are based on statistical analysis. Those routes
5.2
The Existing Network
6.1
Kildysert Road 570 metres both sides – Mandatory
length.1.6km both sides of road.
Page | 6
KEY
connecting onto the national cycle network at Thomand Villas on both sides of the road. Total
Limerick Road Clarecastle from the Clareabbey Roundabout southwards through the village
one side of road. Total 650 metres
Claureen Road from the junction with the Lahinch Road to the Drehidnagower Cross - On path
on both sides of the road. Total Length 2km.
Tulla Road from Gort na Blath Housing Estate westwards towards town to the railway bridge
These routes are shown on Figure 6.1 below.

follows:
On the recommendations as set out in this strategy a number of cycle lanes were constructed as
A network was initiated in 2008 as a consequence of the then ‘Ennis Town Cycle Network Strategy’.
The Cycle Network
6.0
Figure 6.1 – Existing Network
2014-2020
Problems with the Existing Network
Cycle lanes to not take priority in terms of safety over car users.
relevant to the on path Claureen Road Route.
Cycle lanes do not have smooth surfaces and are difficult to cycle on. This is especially
the Colaiste.
should continue towards destinations such as the town centre, the County Council Offices, or
Cycle lanes are intermittent. The Tulla Road route finishes at the railway bridge whereas it
metres in width as recommended in the National Cycle Manual.
Cycle Lanes are generally not wide enough. All new proposed lanes should be at least 2
Cycle Lane Type
Page | 7
entering the lane, except for access. Parking is not permitted on these cycle lanes.
Mandatory: These are marked by a continuous white line which prohibits motorized traffic from
are two types of Standard Cycle Lane applicable to this strategy as follows
normal road maintenance programme. These lanes should at least be two metres in width. There
of cyclists. They are normally located adjacent to the kerb and benefit from been included with the
These lanes are on the carriageway and are reserved either exclusively or primarily for the passage
6.3.1 Standard Cycle Lanes
are set out below:
The network as set out below is achieved using a number of cycle lane types or link types which
6.3
Strategy
coherent and usable cycle infrastructure is implemented in accordance with this Cycle
prior to and after construction by the Sustainable Travel Officer in order that safe,
Principal Objective 1 – That all future cycle infrastructure and road projects be approved

part of this strategy:
There are a number of faults with the existing network as follows which will need to be remedied as
6.2
These are marked by broken white lines on the carriageway and allow motorized
Figure 6.3
Advisory Cycle Lane (Reprinted from the National Cycle Manual NTA)
down or loading.
width to allow for mandatory lanes. Parking is not allowed on advisory lanes other than for set
traffic to enter or cross the line. These are useful in the case where there is not sufficient road
Advisory:
Fig. 6.2 Mandatory Cycle Lane (Reprinted from the National Cycle Manual NTA)
2014-2020
Page | 8
Figure 6.4
Contraflow Cycle Track (Reprinted from the National Cycle Manual NTA)
a verge as illustrated below
Cycle Tracks can be one way, two way (contraflow), adjacent to road or separated from the road by
carriageway.
cycle tracks retain their function at all times – otherwise cyclists may be forced onto an unsafe
is unsuitable for cycling and cannot otherwise be mitigated. For this reason it is important that
points for access and egress. These are used in situations where the on carriageway traffic regime
motorized traffic. This is achieved with a kerb with a level change or bollards. They have limited
Cycle Tracks are physically different from cycle lanes in that they are physically segregated from
6.3.2 Standard Cycle Tracks
Figure 6.5 Cycle Track behind verge (Reprinted from the National Cycle Manual NTA)
Figure 6.5 Cycle Track (Reprinted from the National Cycle Manual NTA)
2014-2020
Page | 9
Figure 6.6 Great Western Greenway, Co. Mayo
Figure 6.7 Proposals for Cycle Trail along River Fergus
green routes in this document.
parking. It is important that these trails are adequately signposted to warn other users such as
motorized traffic and pedestrians that this trail can equally be used by cyclists.
intersections with roadways insofar as possible. Motorized traffic is absent but the way is shared
with pedestrians.. These routes provide for high comfort levels for cyclists and are referred to as
less. These trails are not suitable for areas where there is existing extensive kerbside loading or
Cycle Ways are off road routes for cyclists through parkland or countryside where there are as few
Cycle Trails are routes shared with other road users including motorized traffic and pedestrians.
They are suitable for access roads and quite streets in town centres with a speeds of 30km/hr or
6.3.4 Cycle Ways
2014-2020
6.3.3 Cycle Trails
Page | 10
4
3
5
6
2
1
The Network
Area 6: Town Centre
Area 5: Ballybeg
Area 4: Claureen River Valley and Ennis Golf Club
Area 3: Lee Road to Watery Road
Area 2: Gort Road and link to Tulla Road
Area 1: Fergus River Lower and Gaurus Floodplain
areas:
The Network forms an integral part of this strategy and is described according to the following plan
6.4
2014-2020
1
Page | 11
Quin
i
Tulla
Clarecastle
Railway bridge
N85
Possible
Gaurus
Network of Green Lanes and Cycle Trails across Gaurus Floodplain and extending to M18
KEY
Links northwards via Corravarrin Avenue (Cycle Trail) to West Clare Greenway

northern end.
Links eastwards to Gaurus Floodplain via main road crossings and possible new footbridge at
Lanes); Ennis Road and National Cycle Network (Standard Cycle Lanes)
Trail); Quin Road (Standard Cycle Lanes); Clare Abbey (Cycle Trail); the N85 (Standard Cycle
Links westward to urban area at Tulla Road (Standard Cycle Lanes); New Road (via Cycle
embankments.
Road) to Clarecastle Bridge and Quays, mostly following tops of existing or new flood
Continuous Cycle Trail (shared use) along west bank of river, from Corravarrin Bridge (Tulla

Proposals:
6.4.1 Area 1 Fergus River Lower and Gaurus Floodplain
2014-2020
Page | 12
Louh Girroga
Ballyalla Lough
Roundabout cycle markings at junctions with Lifford Road, Highfield Park and Ballymally
Advisory Cycle Lanes each side of Lifford Road, as far as Green Lane link east of hospital
Advisory Cycle Lanes each side of Tulla Road, to join existing cycle lanes east of railway
Cycle Trail north and then westwards via Corravarrin Avenue, Fioruisce and Fergus River,
KEY

Secondary Advisory Cycle Lanes along Highfield Park and Drumcliff road

Continuous walkway along Fergus River upper to Ballyalla Lough
with links to Lough Girroga
Green Lane following line of railway from Corravarin Green to Gort Road and Ballyalla Lough,
with links to St. Clares School
New mini-roundabout with cycle lane at junction of Tulla Road and Kevin Barry Avenue

bridge

One-way (westwards) Mandatory Cycle Lane along St. Senans Road, linked southwards to

one-way Advisory Cycle Lane along Tulla/Clon Road
Green lane continues south, along edge of Tim Smythe Park, to New Road

linking to St. Senans Road
Controlled pedestrian/cycle crossing (Toucan) at Aughanteeroe Bridge

Business Park
Advisory Cycle Lanes each side of Gort Road from the Tim Smythe Park to Ballymally

Proposals:
6.4.2 Area 2 -Gort Road and Link to Tulla Road
2014-2020
Page | 13
and Amenity Park
Lees Road Sports
Line of West Clare Railway
Route of West Clare Railway
Road crossing
wetlands
Watery Road
Bridge restoration
Advisory Cycle Lanes along Cloughleigh Road to Cusack Road

KEY
Fig 6.8 Proposed Bridge over Fergus (at old rail bridge)
Secondary Advisory Cycle Lanes along Lehinch Road to Gort Road
existing path from Cusack Road and extending northwards along the river to Ballyalla Lough
Walkway along eastern edge of Fergus River (Watery Road wetlands) as continuation of
linking to Cusack Road and town centre
Cycle Trail southwards from Lehinch Road river crossing, along western edge of Fergus River,
lane on Drumcliff Road and to new riverside walkways
Green Lane treatment along Claureen Drive and part of Lehinch Road, linking to existing cycle
Greenway
Cycle Trail through Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park, with Trailhead for West Clare
Ennistymon
Fergus River westwards linking Ennis to the Atlantic Coast at Lahinch via Corofin and
Cycle Trail along West Clare Greenway (along the route of the West Clare Railway), from

Proposals
6.4.3 Area 3- Lees Road to Watery Road
2014-2020
Mandatory Cycle Lanes on Lehinch/Cusack Road linking to Cloughleigh Road cycle lanes
Advisory Cycle Lanes along Circular Road with link via Golf Links Road to Showgrounds Road
Green Lane treatment along Showgrounds Road, from Golf Links Road to junction with

Page | 14
Circular Road
Cycle markings along hard shoulder of N85 by-pass

Lehinch/Cusack Road
Continuous Cycle Trail along west bank of river, continuing northwards beneath By-pass to

Proposals
6.4.4 Area 4- Claureen River and Ennis Golf Club
KEY
2014-2020
Figure 6.9 Cycle Trail along River Fergus
Page | 15
Ballybeg
Wood
Ballybeg Lough
Clareabbey
Advisory Cycle Lanes from roundabout to Clare Abbey
Advisory Cycle Lanes (Secondary) along Clonbeg Road and Kildysart Road
Cycle Trail along Rocky Road, from St. Flannan’s Drive and crossing N85 by-pass at N68

KEY

Mandatory Cycle Lane on roundabout and Mandatory Cycle Lanes along each lane of N85

Advisory Cycle Lanes along Kilrush Road towards town centre
extensions to Killene Lough
Cycle Trail around Ballybeg Lough linked to Clonbeg Road and Kildysart Road, with future
roundabout, and continuing as Green Lane to Rockmount Wood and Ballybeg Lough
Advisory Cycle Lanes along Limerick Road, north and south of Clareabbey roundabout
Advisory Cycle Lanes along Kilrush Road, with links to St. Flannan’s Drive

Proposals
6.4.5 Area 5- Ballybeg
2014-2020
KEY
Page | 16
One-way Mandatory Cycle Lanes from High Street, across Bank Place Bridge, along

Figure 6.10 Cycle Route along New Road
Place and Summerhill, and along Cabey’s Lane to Wood Quay
One-way Advisory Cycle Lanes northwards from Carmody Street, through Market
Street
Shared surface treatment along O’Connell Street, from Abbey Street to Carmody
riverside to Mill Road
One-way Advisory Cycle Lane (Secondary) eastwards along Francis Street
Cycle provision on Abbey Quay and Wood Quay, extending northwards along

Bank Place, Binden Street and Harmony Row eastwards to Abbey Street Bridge
Mandatory Cycle Lanes each side of Cloughleigh Road northwards
Road, Kilrush Road and Station Road
Advisory Cycle Lanes each side of New Road, Newbridge Road, Mill Road, Circular

Proposals
6.4.6 Town Centre
2014-2020
Page | 17
pedestrians have a greater level of priority
inform the cyclist and motorized vehicle that they are now entering a zone where cyclists and
Bespoke Signage and road surface treatments should be located at the entrance to the zone to
reinforcing what is already happening and as such should not be contentious.
geometry dictates that slower speeds prevail. Because of this a 30 km/hr speed limit will only be
The streets within the town centre are generally very narrow or where they are wider, the
In the Inner Town Zone and Town Centre Zone it is proposed to impose a 30 km/hr speed limit.
pedestrians at the top of the user hierarchy.
of encouraging more sustainable travel options via safer streets and placing cyclists and
cyclists as a road user and complying with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets concept
the cyclist than is currently the case in each of the zones thereby recognizing the vulnerability of
It is proposed to create three zones for cycling within the town. The zones will give more priority to
6.5.1 Cycle Zones
6.5 Other Measures
Figure 6.11 Cycle Zones
Town Centre Zone
Inner Town Zone
Outer Town Zone
2014-2020
Page | 18
Figure 6.12 Cycle Parking
Figure 6.11 Signage
strategic locations around town especially at signalized junctions.
It is proposed that signage as illustrated in 6.11 below be used and that these be placed at
times to both cycle and walk that distance for the average person.
around the town along the main routes informing of distances to major trip attractions as well as
Town Smarter Travel Signage Scheme, involving directional and informational signage placed
6.5.2 Signage
Fig 6.13 Parking Town Centre (Existing Purple, Proposed Red)
easily, and at low cost
properly installed. Generally, no land/property acquisition is required and they can be installed
kerb-free access to cycle parking. In addition, it should not compromise or affect pedestrians if
bicycle parking is highly visible and promotes a strong pro-cycling message provides cyclists with
On-street parking should be the central “public” element in any bicycle parking strategy. On-street
change by being prominently located and thereby promoting cycling by their very presence.
parking whilst serving an infrastructural need in terms of cycle parking, also fulfils a behavioral
Cycle Parking at prominent and convenient locations around the town. It is believed that cycle
6.5.3 Cycle Parking
2014-2020
Behavioral Changes and Soft Interventions
Those who’s commute would be shorter or equal to in terms of time to cycle rather than drive

Schoolgoer’s

Ennis Cycle App
Cycle training for children and adults
Bike Week activities
Organised Cycling events/festivals
Sustainable Transport Plans for employees in both public and private sectors
Financial incentives such as cycle mileage paid to staff members whom use their bikes for

Smarter Travel Workplaces initiative to be introduced to all employers with greater than 200

A bike bus is a group of people who cycle together on a set route following a set timetable. Cyclists may join or leave the
Page | 19
bike bus at various points along the route. Most bike buses are a form of collective bicycle commuting.
2
Green Schools Travel Flags to be achieved in all schools in the Town
employees in the Town
Community Involvement via engagement with local cycling clubs,

Ennis Bikes (public bikes for Ennis)

months
Road closures to create cycle events or opportunities for families to cycle during the summer
work journeys
Social Media Campaigns (Facebook and Twitter updates)

Cycle Information Websites

Other ‘Soft Interventions’ include:
orginisation of bike buses etc.
2
alone. Soft interventions such a cycle training, sponsorship or advice on appropriate clothing, the
As an example increased cycling amongst schoolgoers will not be delivered with hard measures
Those on a budget

to work
May be persuaded to take up cycling

groups targeted for such measures are those groups who:
supported by soft interventions such as promotional campaigns, fiscal measures events etc. The
The provision of infrastructure alone is not sufficient to increase the level of cycling and it must be
‘Soft Interventions’ such as promotional campaigns, fiscal measures events, etc.
Principal Objective 2 – To improve the image of cycling and to promote cycling using
7.0
Figure 7.2: Example of Bike Scheme
Figure 7.1: Example of Promotion Websites
2014-2020
Specific Route Improvements
terminates at Ballymaley industrial estate.
being established the National Cycle Network is also being embellished. The route
Ennis Town is a major trip attractor for Clarecastle residents and whilst these links are
significant employment centre exists at the Roche Ireland facility in Clarecastle, also
situated along the busy N85 Western Relief Road. Notwithstanding this difficulty, a
improvement will be required across the existing N85 Clareabbey roundabout which is
where the current cycle lanes from Clarecastle terminate. A significant junction
National Cycle Network between Ennis and Lahinch. The route will begin at Clareabbey
number of major trip attractors in the town whilst also serving as the next section on the
R458 Clarecastle to Ballymaley link – This route has been chosen so as to connect a
Mart, Bruach Na Habhainn housing estate and Ennis Town Centre
Traveller Accomodation site, Doora Industrial estate, Quin Rd. Industrial estate, Clare
the town on the R469 but along this route also are Clare soccer county grounds,
public transport in the town. Ennis Bus and Railway Station is positioned on the edge of
R469 Quin Road - This route has been chosen so as develop cycling and walking links to
employment centres of the Gort Road Industrial Estate and Ennis Town Centre
between the significant residential population on the Tulla road and the main
R352 Tulla Road to Gort Road Link - This route has been chosen so as to deliver a link
Page | 20
(iii)
(ii)
(i)
These routes have been chosen for the following reasons:
Route 3- R458 Clarecastle to Ballymaley link
Route 2- R469 Quin Road
Route 1 - R352 Tulla Road to Gort Road Link
It is proposed to improve three routes initially:
8.0
and approaching Corrovorrin junction
Recently constructed Tunnel for cyclists and Pedestrians under Railway line on Tulla Road, R352
2014-2020
Class
R352
Number
Route 1
Page | 21
Road
Route
Map 1
Tulla Road
Location
8.1 Infrastructural Measures
below
de sac, similar to the Cycle Design Manual arrangement illustrated
lanes and narrowed carriageway for this existing lowly trafficked cul
3. Rededication of existing road space via installation of advisory cycle
Cycle Signage and road markings also will be installed
narrowing the mainline carriageway, so traffic speeds will be slower.
making the environment safer for pedestrians and cyclists as well as
radii, thereby calming traffic turning into the junction and also
2. Improvement to Corrovorrin junction by way of tightening up the
to the Junction to convey commuters into Kevin Barry Avenue
track. A jug handle cycle and pedestrian crossing is proposed close
Corrovorrin junction via a shared use bi directional Pedestrian/cycle
1. Extension of the existing cycle lanes on the R352 Tulla road, to
The following works are proposed along the route:
line on Tulla Road, R352 and approaching Corrovorrin junction
Recently constructed Tunnel for cyclists and Pedestrians under Railway
arose to install a Tunnel to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians:
when the Western Rail Corridor was being upgraded, an opportunity
lanes culminated at the width constraint of the Railway Bridge, but
along the Tulla Road in the past number of years. The existing cycle
Clare County Council has invested significantly in installing cycle lanes
Ennis Town Centre.
Area Population Statistics (SAPS)), the Gort Road Industrial Estate and
main employment centres identified ((From the Census 2011 Small
from the significant Tulla Road residential population to the two of the
Corrovorrin junction. Ultimately the aim is to convey potential cyclists
on the Tulla Road towards Ennis with significant improvement of the
Cyclist/Pedestrian tunnel under the railway line at Corrovorrin Junction
1.5km
Extension of existing cycle lanes along the Tulla Road from the
Junction
Measures
Corrovorrin
Sub-Location
Fior Uisce Road approaching Gort Rd Junction
Kevin Barry Avenue Existing
Existing Cycle Infrastructure, Tulla Road R352
2014-2020
Page | 22
approximately 2.5m
Small Bridge required across River Fergus Tributary, span
Fior Uisce Rd just after River Tributary crossing
tributary to allow onward access to the Gort Road
5. Installation of small pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Fergus
tributary.
Avenue and Fior Uisece road on the other side of the River Fergus
4. New track construction for 75m between the end of Kevin Barry
Potential Bridge Type
Uisce Road
Advisory Cycle lane proposal for Kevin Barry Avenue and Fior
2014-2020
Page | 23
Route 1 Proposal – R352 Tulla Road to Gort Road link (Map 1)
2014-2020
2014-2020
Page | 24
Proposed Improvements at Corrovorrin junction, R352, including shared use bi directional extension of existing cycle route and jug handle crossing
Page | 25
R352 and Kevin Barry Avenue section
2014-2020
Class
R469
No.
2
Page | 26
Road
Route
pedestrians
and
cyclists
Map 2
2.5 km
Town Centre
crossing provisions
Stop Lines, ASL’s and controlled pedestrian
a signalised junction, incorporating Advance
4. Upgrade existing junction from a roundabout to
and the housing estate.
entrance to the adjacent Bus/Railway Station
3. Install a marked crossing across the the
line at the Bus and Railway Station.
pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway
2. Link with the recently completed Quin Road
raised track 2.5m wide.
facility would be a shared use bi directional
width constraints, including Doora Bridge. The
hand side going towards Ennis as there are
installed on one side of the roadway, the left
grounds and Ennis Town Centre. This would be
1. Cycle route between the Clare soccer county
The following works are proposed along the route:
Centre.
Railway Station on the way towards Ennis Town
Clare Camogie County grounds and Ennis Bus and
Habhainn housing estate, Quin Road Industrial Estate,
at the outskirt of the town and providing for Bruach na
Industrial Estate and the Traveler Accommodation site
for
Estate and Ennis
links
Doora Industrial
of
between the Clare Soccer County Grounds, Doora
Section between
Installation
Measures
Road
Sub-Location
Quin
on
Locati
R469 Quin Road roundabout -proposed to change this to a signalized junction
R469 Quin Road Improvements
2014-2020
Page | 27
Fergus (option with lanes either side of the road)
Bridge with crossing for future Greenway along River
Proposed Cycle lanes on the Quin Road R469 at Doora
bridge over railway line (~€300K)
Recently completed R469 Quin Road Pedestrian/Cycle
change this to a signalized junction
View of R469 Quin Road roundabout, it is proposed to
availability for shared use bi directional track on left hand side approaching Ennis
View towards Ennis along R469 Quin Road, at Bruach na Habhainn illustrating width
width availability for shared use bi directional track on left hand side approaching Ennis
View towards Ennis along R469 Quin Road, at Door Industrial Estate entrance, illustrating
Proposed cycle lane across entrances to Bus/Railway Station and adjacent housing estate
2014-2020
Page | 28
Map 2 - R469 Quin Road Proposals
lanes
install cycle lanes on both sides of the road, albeit with the removal existing right turning
Gort Road Junction, Note this route is the old N18 and consequently ample width exists to
2014-2020
Class
R458
No.
3
Page | 29
Road
Route
Map 3
Gort Road
6.5km
Section connecting Clarecastle, Ennis and Gort Road
Sub-Location
Limerick Road,
Location
proposed for this roundabout
7. Junction 7, Sheils roundabout, the solution illustrated below from the Cycle Design Manual is
proposed for this roundabout
6. Junction 6, Kellys corner, the solution illustrated below from the Cycle Design Manual is
green.
accommodate cyclists at the traffic signal and allow onwards priority when the light turns
5. Junction 5, Club Bridge, here it is proposed again to install Advance Stop boxes to
green.
accommodate cyclists at the traffic signal and allow onwards priority when the light turns
4. Junction 4, Darcys corner, here it is proposed again to install Advance Stop boxes to
3. Junction 3, Captain Macs cross, here it is proposed to install Advance Stop Lines
line with the Cycle design manual
2. Junction 2, Flannans roundabout, here it is proposed to install lanes around the roundabout, in
journey they had always made between Ennis and Clarecastle.
N85, and where little thought was given to how pedestrians and cyclists were to now make the
North South direction, reinstating the connectivity that was severed with the construction of the
similarly for the cyclist going from Ennis to Clarecastle. It is only proposed to cater for the
lanes on the Clarecastle side of the roundabout, onwards to a crossing point on the N85,
1. Junction 1, Clareabbey roundabout, extension of the existing National Cycle Network cycle
It is proposed to create this linkage via the following works along the route:
national routes (now regional roads).
segregated cycle lanes similar to what has been installed around the country on declassified
from the Gort Rod to Ballymaley and beyond to the nearby village of Barefield to install on road
3. Creates a link to Ballymaley, which is along the old N18 and therefore adequate width exists
Gort Road junction
2. Creates a link to the West Clare Railway Greenway, which has a designated start point at the
Ennis.
1. Creates link between the end of the National Cycle Network at Clareabbey and the own and
connectivity for cyclists. This link serves a number of purposes including the following:
Along this section it is proposed to improve the major junctions along the route to improve onwards
Measures
2014-2020
Stop lines at this signalized junction
Page | 30
R458, Route 3, Junction 5 Club Bridge, again it is proposed to install Advance
box here to allow for onwards connectivity to O’ Connell Street, via Contra flow lane
install Advance Stop boxes at this junction
R458, Route 3, Junction 3 Captain Macs Cross, it is proposed to
R458, Route 3, Junction 2, Flannans roundabout existing situation
2014-2020
R458, Route 3, Junction 4 Darcys corner, it is proposed to install an Advance Stop
points to facilitate Ennis Clarecastle connectivity
R458, Route 3, Junction 1 Proposed Lanes around Clareabbey roundabout and crossing
Page | 31
Advance Stop box for cyclists at Traffic Signals
R458, Route 3, Junction 6 Kellys Corner
Roundabout solution proposal from the Cycle Design Manual
R458, Route 3, Junction 7 Shiels Roundabout
2014-2020
Page | 32
R458, Route 3, Clarecastle to Ballymaley link, junction improvement cyclists
2014-2020
Page | 33
Origin Map of students to Girls National School
Origin and Destination Statistical Maps
Appendices
Origin Map of students to Gaelscoil
2014-2020
Page | 34
Origin Map of students to Flannans Secondary School
Origin Map of students to Colaiste Secondary School
2014-2020
Page | 35
Origin Map of students to Cloughleigh School
Origin Map of students to Clarecastle
2014-2020
Page | 36
Origin Map of students to CBS
Origin Map of students to Boys National School
2014-2020
Page | 37
Origins of Employees of Roche
Origins of Employees of Gort Road Industrial Estate
2014-2020
Page | 38
Origins of Employees of Town Centre
2014-2020
Page | 39
Details of Cycle Accident Data in Ennis from 2009 to 2011
2014-2020
Page | 40
Baseline Data Map
2014-2020