Public consultation on new town bus service in Navan
Two new routes will replace the existing town bus service in Navan
Preparations are underway for the introduction of two new bus routes serving the town of Navan.
Meath County Council has started a public consultation process on new bus stops and related infrastructure.
The two new routes will replace the existing town bus service.
Route N1 will take in the Kilcarn Link Road, Johnstown, the Kentstoe#wn Road, through the centre of town to tfhe Athboy Road, Clogherboy, the Dan Shaw road, Trim Road and back tom# the Commons Road.
Route N2 takes in the Commons Road, town centre, Rathaldron Road, the Proudstown Road, Blackcastle and the Slane Road.
The council's proposals include the provision of fifty new wheelchair accessible bus stops.
Meath Co Council Chief Executive Jackie Maguire said; “Navan is at a key stage in its development. As its population grows, the town must adapt to meet its needs. These proposed bus routes are part of that adaption, and will deliver a new, frequent, accessible and convenient public transport service for the town.”
Cllr Edward Fenessy said the council's proposals for a new integrated public transport network is a good example of sustainability and connectivity - two of the key tenets upon which any good urban plan should be built.
“This is most welcome. The town has expanded rapidly over the past 30 years and infrastructure such as this is tailor made to meet it's need.
“It is a good initiative in terms of protecting the environment and everyone from school children to workers and pensioners will benefit from the service," he said.
The proposed new bus services will cover a bgger area with an extended timetable.
The proposed new bus stops will include better signage and information, and will form a network of stops to facilitate convenient travel across the town.
The bus services will connect with the Kennedy Road bus interchange facility whch will be constructed next year as part of the Navan Town Scheme (Navan2030). It will cater for regional bus services for onward travel to such destinations such as Trim, Kells, Drogheda, Dublin, Cavan and Dublin Airport.
The new bus routes, which will be operated by Bus Éireann, will be served by new low floor buses provided by the National Transport Authority.
Subject to funding, work on delivering the infrastructure could commence later this year, with the new bus services operational on the routes during the summer of next year.
National Transport Authority Chief Executive Anne Graham remarked: “The Authority has worked closely with Meath County Council on the town bus project. We have invested in improving the walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure in Navan in recent years and we anticipate further investment to meet Navan’s needs for sustainable mobility.”
The proposals are currently on display on the council website and representations can be made up to 5pm on Wednesday 19th August.