Controversial Dunboyne and Clonee pedestrian and cycleway proposal under fire

As the public consultation on the Dunboyne and Clonee Pedestrian and Cycle Network continues, the proposals came under fire at last week's meeting of the Ratoath Municipal District Council.

The proposed scheme provides for a network of active travel routes, of approximately 17km in length within and around the towns of Dunboyne and Clonee and includes an upgrade of existing footpaths, new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, and 5km of short pedestrian and cycle links to improve permeability and connectivity between residential areas, public transport, services and amenities. Also included is a Public Realm Scheme for both Clonee and Dunboyne, 6.5 km of new protected cycle track along Summerhill Road, Maynooth Road, Navan Road, Station Road, Rooske Road and Old Navan Road, and 6km of new greenway along the Dunboyne Bypass and Dunboyne Stream, upgraded junctions to improve safety and traffic calming.

At last week's meeting of Ratoath MD, Cllr Maria Murphy said the plan was creating a lot of controversy.

She pointed out that it will take away parking spaces in the main street and some businesses have warned it could close them down.

"There are some very good routes proposed, but the plan for the centre of the village is very controversial.

"We were told two years ago that there wouldn't be full cycle lanes in the centre of Dunboyne, but that there would be a speed limit of 30kmp ramps and traffic calming.

"We took that in good faith, but now we see cycle lanes in the centre of the village in the plans. In fact, if Lidl gets planning permission there, these cycle lanes will contradict that permission."

Cllr Murphy said the proposals for a cycle lane to the soccer club on the Summerhill Road and to the GAA cub on the Rooske Road were very welcome, but she felt the proposals for the centre of the village would have a detrimental affect on business.

"There is no regard for anything else going on in the village. It could be a lovely plan but it is creating a lot of annoyance.

"There are also proposals to have cycle lanes in housing estates. This isn't happening anywhere else," she pointed out.

She also noted that the proposals would see some householders having to give up parts of the their front gardens. "These include some houses on the Stations Road and the Old Navan Road."

Cllr Murphy said that if the plans in their present form come before Meath County Council, she would be voting against them.

According to the council, the scheme has the potential to promote and enhance walking, cycling and the use of public transport by providing a superior network of footpath and cycleway connections for both residents of Clonee and Dunboyne.

The public consultation continues until 24th May.

Local councillor Caroline O'Reilly is urging residents to make submissions about the plans if they have concerns. While she said there were some very welcome aspects such as the cycleway to the soccer club and improved cycle facilities for children, she had major concerns over the impact on local businesses due to the loss of parking spaces and also over plans to take part of a number of local residents' gardens to allow for the road to be widened to facilitate the new cyclepaths.

"There are some good parts but I hope the council will also take the residents' concerns into account. There is huge anxiety for people whose gardens are marked on the maps. They are also concerned about the loss of privacy."

Another element she had concerns about was the proposal to put a walkway though the centre of the green at Beechdale.

The plans are available online on consult.meath.ie and the closing date for submissions is 24th May. The proposal is at the Phase 2 Concept and Options Selection stage. The next stage will be preliminary design followed by statutory processes.