Trim road cycle scheme plan goes on public display
Proposals for the Beechmount to Balreask Manor cycle scheme in Navan have gone on public display.
The proposals for walking and cycling infrastructure along the R161 Trim Road will see the continuation of the cycle route on the Trim Road from the Solstice Centre to Beechmount, which was opened last year.
The proposed scheme includes for the construction of a two-way cycle facility and upgraded footway on the western side of the road between Beechmount Avenue and Balreask Manor and the provision of a one-way southbound cycle facility plus pedestrian footway on the eastern side between Balreask Village/Swanbrook and Canterbrook junctions.
The work includes associated landscaping, public lighting, drainage, pedestrian and cycle crossings, boundary treatments, surfacing works, kerb re-alignments, raised tables and speed cushions along the scheme.
The work will be carried out mostly within existing road boundaries, with some minor setting back of public and private boundaries.
The chairman of Navan Cycling Initiative, Ed Moynihan welcomed the proposals and said it would be good to see the various cycle schemes connected.
"They are progressing a number of schemes around the town and they need to be delivered to get the network in place. We welcome the new proposals - there has been a big uptake in cycling since the new scheme from the Solstice to Beechmount opened, which enabled children to cycle to five schools safely and the new scheme will encourage more people to cycle," he said.
Bill Slattery of Balreask Manor said there were no great problems with the current plans but it will be a much bigger job if they extended it to the Balreask Arms.
The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said: “The Beechmount to Balreask Manor Cycle Scheme will connect residential areas on the Trim Road with the centre of Navan through the provision of a safe pedestrian and cycle route. Work to deliver the scheme is well underway.
“A non-statutory public consultation was held in November 2023. A preliminary design on the emerging preferred route is now complete. Meath County Council have finalised all of the required reports and a Part 8 planning application was opened this week.
“Over the past year I engaged with a number of local resident groups who raised concerns about how the scheme would impact trees and embankments along the Trim Road.
“Those concerns were passed on to MCC and I am delighted that the proposed route will not require the removal of trees at Balreask Village or the embankment at Balreask Manor. I thank the council and the residents for their co-operation. If the application is approved, the local community can look forward to enjoying the benefits of this infrastructure for many years to come.”
Submissions may be made to Meath County Council via the web portal ePlanning Portal or via email to planning@meathcoco.ie on or before 15th May 2025.