Trimgate St pedestrianisation trial could be close

The pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street could take place for a trial period, following the allocation of €225,000 in funding announced by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Meath County Council welcomed the grant allocation to Meath of over €13m for Active Travel Investments, including the €225,000 towards the pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street.

"These monies will be used to support stakeholder consultation and the preliminary statutory processes of the Trimgate Street project," said a spokesperson.

"The Council is working towards the pedestrianisation of three quarters of the street, with the last quarter maintaining vehicular access to the existing car parks. This project is an integral part of the strategic Navan 2030 initiative and builds on the focus on pedestrianisation in recent times and the outdoor dining and parklets in Navan, which have been successful and generally well received".

Cllr Tommy Reilly warmly welcomed yesterday's allocation, saying he had been an advocate for pedestrianisation for the last 20 years.

"I am delighted and a trial period is the way to go. There are several pedestrian links onto Trimgate Street from big carparks, which is a major advantage. "I hope this is successful, it is something we have been talking about for years."

At a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last May, Cllr Francis Deane proposed closing Trimgate Street to traffic on a trial basis last July but withdrew his motion when it was agreed to tweak contracts for the Navan 2030 work to allow for pedestrianisation during a trial period which wouldn't be affected by works.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy welcomed yesterday's allocation "This week’s funding announcement was big news for Navan, the allocation for Trimgate Street is of particular interest. Footfall increased significantly and business thrived there last year and it was largely as a result of the parklets. I welcome a move towards pedestrianisation and I'm sure local businesses will share that a view, their trade will benefit massively as a consequence," he said.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said the funding for Kennedy Place and Market Square was very welcome, the funding for pedestrianisation may be pre-empting things. "There would have to be engagement with stakeholders and a lot of discussion around alternative parking," he said.

"A lot of people would be in favour as things are changing, but there would need to be a lot of study and discussion on it," he said.