Slane Bypass and public realm plan to go on public display next week

Plans for the long campaigned for Slane bypass and public realm plan which includes a HGV ban, the redesign of the junction on the square, the creation of a new village garden and the removal of the overhead gantries on the descent to Slane Bridge will go on public display next week.

Locals will get to have their say on the Bypass and the €1M public realm project when plans go on public consultation next Thursday 19th January in the Conyngham Arms Hotel in Slane from 3pm to 8pm.

The draft plan that was described as a project of "national importance" and "a game changer" for the area at recent Laytown/Bettystown Municipal meeting this week makes extensive proposals which would radically change how the village looks and how traffic and pedestrians move through its centre.

Officials from Meath County Council gave an update on the scheme at the recent council meeting. They said a date for submission of the plans to An Bord Planala could not be confirmed due to pending approval of the business case plan but work was on going with the TII.

The scheme consists of a 3.5km long Bypass to the East of the village, a type two duel carriageway with three junctions one at the north, one on the n51 and one at the southern end with a combined walk way and cycle way running along the bypass.

The public realm plan which sets out the future approach to the streets and spaces of the village includes speed reduction measures towards the centre of the village, defined spaces and narrowed streets to create more space and an improved layout.

Plans also include a car park to the south of the N51 Navan Road, wider footpaths throughout the village to encourage walking and narrower carriageways to reduce speeds and encourage cycling.

It will also include an improved junction at the square, greater public lighting, greater space for pedestrians and the introduction of vegetation with tree lined streets enhancing the appearance of the heritage village.

This proposal is dependent on the delivery of the Slane bypass and the removal of heavy goods vehicles from the village.

Local councillor Wayne Harding describes the potential for Slane with the implementation of the bypass as "staggering," he added:

"The bypass inches closer to a new application to An Bord Pleanala. After losing a decade since the last application where An Board Pleanala went against their own inspectors recommendation and refused the bypass, Meath County Council are going back with a bypass and public realm plan that has absolutely enormous potential for the historic village.

"The plan put simply would replace the HGV laden N2 with a cycle and pedestrian link to the Boyne Greenway. The tourism potential of this for the whole of the Boyne Valley is staggering. The people of Slane have campaigned for so long to take the dangerous N2 out of Slane village and today represents another step up a very big mountain."