Trimgate Street could be pedestrianised by 2024

Navan's Trimgate Street could be pedestrianised as early as 2024. The emerging preferred option for the future of the town's main shopping street is to pedestrianise it, with access from the Kennedy Road end to a number of private car parks at the Kennedy Road end of the street.

Deliveries would access the street from the Kennedy Road end with no access from Brews Hill or Railway Street.

Special provisions would be made to allow the traditional route for funerals leaving St Mary's Church.

Last week's council meeting heard that four options were considered - no change at all, removing parking spaces to allow for more pedestrian space but allowing traffic as usual, pedestrianisation with access from the Brews Hill/Railway Street or pedestrianisation with access from Kennedy Road.

Marcus Clifford of Clifton, Scannell Emerson Engineers said that a number of private car parks at premises on Trimgate Street had to be considered along with access for deliveries and the traditional route for funerals.

He said that in a survey undertaken in July this year, of those shopping in Navan 80 per cent of respondents had visited Trimgate Street.

"Fifty four percent said they had travelled by car, but 87 per cent of those said they had parked in other streets.

"Seven out of ten said they would expect benefits from the pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street."

Councillors were told that a survey of traders would now be undertaken and a part eight planning application could be made in October.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy asked if it would be introduced on a trial basis. Director of Services, Martin Murray said there had been a lot of engagement with stakeholders and the part eight public consultation would inform them further and they would then know how to proceed. Cllr Fennessy said Trimgate Street would be completely transformed,

"That can only be good for business. I fully support the pedestrianisation scheme, changes to the streetscape alone will make the area a much more attractive place to shop, dine and trade in.

"When you consider the impact parklets had on increasing footfall on Trimgate Street, I expect this scheme to have a bigger impact. I look forward to seeing it rolled out next year."

Cllr Tommy Reilly said the proposals looked good, but asked if all underground work would be finished before the pedestrianisation work.

Mr Murray told him that they had been negotiating with the utility companies and there would be a moratorium on underground work for a period of time after pedestrianisation.

Cllr Yemi Adenuga congratulated the council on the proposals but said it was very important to keep in continuous consultation with the traders. Cllr Emer Tóibín asked when the work would be carried out.

She was told it would depend on the part eight application, funding, the completion of other works in the town, and particularly works on the Fairgreen, but it was possible it could be done in 2024.