Proposals for a permanent pedestrian and cycle way could be tweaked on Convent Road

Meath County Council is to look at modifications to its plans to make the Convent Road in Navan into a permanent pedestrian and cycle way.

At last week's meeting of Navan Municipal Council, councillors spoke of the concerns of local residents about the proposals and their fears over anti-social behaviour in the area.

It was agreed following a proposal by Cllr Tommy Reilly that proposals with modification be brought back before the council.

The proposal is for the closure of part of Convent Road to vehicular traffic from the Riverside development to Athlumney Castle, with local access provided. Work would include traffic calming in proximity to the entrance of the Loreto Secondary School, enhanced public lighting, the provision of CCTV for the purposes of traffic management, public order and safety in public places, landscaping, road surfacing and the erection of signage.

The road has been closed on a trial basis trial from 21st October last year.

Cllr Emer Toibin said that a lot of parents in the area were now afraid to let their teenagers walk that way to town, especially in winter.

"CCTV will kick in early next year, but it would be better if it was in place before we go ahead with this. There would be better buy in from the public."

Cllr Francis Deane said that there is a lot of anti-social behaviour there, but CCTV would resolve it. He asked that the planters which attracted graffiti be removed.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said that two families had been in contact with him about their elderly parents being unable to access the cemetery.

"The residents in Athlumney Castle and Riverside are overwhelmingly against it. It hasn't served its purpose. It is inaccessible to women and children."

Cllr Yemi Adenuga said the facility was something for the future of Navan. "If we could have investment in measures to allay the concerns about anti-social behaviour, it would help alleviate concerns," she said.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the Convent Road cycle scheme forms an integral section of the broader Navan Cycle Network.

"Its implementation will connect Farganstown with the cantilever bridge and cycle infrastructure on the R147.

"The railway bridge on the R153 doesn't allow for the installation of an unbroken cycle path along that road. It is for that reason Athlumney was selected. It is a key link on the overall network and must be delivered to maintain connectivity across the town.

"Problems with anti-social behaviour have decreased over recent months and I expect those issues to die off once the CCTV system is operational," he said.