Part 8 - St. Brigid's Square to Canal Rd

Dúnta31 D.F., 2023, 11:20 - 13 Nol, 2023, 17:00

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The National Planning Framework (NPF) includes a National Policy Objective to prepare a Joint Local Area Plan where a town and its environs, such as Portarlington, lie within the combined functional area of more than one Local Authority.

The current Portarlington Joint Local Area Plan 2018~2024 (Joint LAP) was therefore prepared by Laois County Council and Offaly County Council in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. It sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Portarlington, in the context of the Laois County Development Plan 2017 – 2023, Offaly County Development Plan 2014 - 2020 and the Midland Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022.

The Strategic Aim of the Joint LAP is:
•      To promote and facilitate a sustainable transport system that prioritises and provides for walking, cycling and public transport facilities while ensuring sufficient traffic management.

The Joint LAP contains the following objectives:
•      TM O8: Develop a cycle network throughout the town linking population, town centre, schools, community facilities, green infrastructure and the train station in accordance with the principles set out in Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2013) and the NTA National Cycling Manual principles and standards.
•      TM O9: Provide a permeable pedestrian network within the plan area which links residential areas, the
town centre, schools, community facilities, green infrastructure and the train station.

Portarlington currently provides limited facilities for cyclists, and with many key locations such as schools and sports clubs situated at different areas of the town, there is a general need to provide appropriate active travel facilities throughout the town.