Regeneration plan for Duleek village welcomed

Laytown/Bettystown Fianna Fáil Councillor, Stephen McKee, has expressed his full support for a Heritage-led Regeneration Plan for Duleek which was presented to elected members at a recent municipal district meeting.

McKee stated: "I am pleased work has started on the Heritage-led Regeneration Plan for Duleek by Sheridan Woods Architects and Urban Planners. I have been told that the Draft Plan goes on display in May with the Plan finalised before the end of the Summer. This is the start of what hopefully will be a larger investment of public money into Duleek."

McKee said that it was "clear" to him that a a co-ordinated approach was needed to develop public infrastructure in the village, improve the environment for local business and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

"It will be important that adequate funding is provided to ensure that the agreed Public Realm Plan can be fully funded and that the work is fully carried out," said the Fianna Fail Cllr.

He added that manage traffic and road safety in Duleek is one major issue that needs to be addressed.

"We need to see the completion of the Main Street Traffic Management Plan as soon as possible and a new pedestrian crossing down at Londis.

"Traffic calming is badly needed also on the Station Road, on the Longford Road, the Navan Road and out at Duleek Soccer Club at Carranstown. There are just far too many HGV's coming through the village. Long-term, the Bypass is critical. I am also seeking to secure funding under the national 'Safe Routes To School Programme' to make the route safer from the centre of Duleek out to the National Schools and to include a full cycle lane.

"I look forward to the new Public Realm Plan being presented and more importantly, being implemented for the benefit of Duleek residents," concluded McKee.