Reverse the reversal?

A call for a full assessment of the impact and effectiveness of traffic direction changes on Ludlow Street and Bridge Street in Navan, was made at a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last week.

Cllr Emer Tóibín called for the review which she said should also include the re-routing of buses through the town centre, with all elements assessed against their impacts on congestion, pedestrian safety, commercial activity, and overall traffic flow.

She sought information on congestion levels before and after the changes, impacts on journey times for private motorists, commercial vehicles, and emergency services as well as the effects on pedestrian safety, including near-miss data and collision statistics. Cllr Tóibín said she was also looking for an assessment of the impacts on town-centre footfall and commercial activity, as well as the effect of rerouted bus traffic on residents and businesses on Ludlow Street, Bridge Street and the Square.”

She said that while an Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) was taking place it could not substitute for an assessment of the changes that have already been implemented and are already affecting residents, businesses, and commuters.

“The Council made significant traffic alterations in January 2024; therefore, the Council should be able to provide a clear, transparent, measurable evaluation of their impact,” she said. Cllr Tóibín said that anecdotally, she was hearing worrying trends from local businesses.

“One business in Ludlow Street is moving out in the new year one. Another said business was down 30 to 35 per cent.

“Market Square is at a standstill, buses are delayed. Journey times are longer. I live 8km outside the town and my journey time has doubled.

“I was speaking to a local postman four weeks ago and he said he never before saw the volume of parcels being delivered, it was way bigger than the normal seasonal increase.”

She said business in the Blackwater Retail Park was down 30-40per cent since the new road opening and shops on Trimgate Street were noting a 30per cent drop in footfall.

Cllr Yemi Adenuga acknowledged the significant investment and the efforts that went into Navan 2030 and its impact in terms of pedestrian safety, accessibility and the public realm.

She supported the motion saying it was something that should be standard after such a major change.

“The ABTA study is welcome but stretches over a longer period. The motion is about now so we can pro-actively address any issues and build on what is working.”

Cllr Alan Lawes wondered about impact on the town over Christmas. “Are the roadworks affecting business. Could we suspend the works in the run up to Christmas,” he asked.

The Mayor, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said trade is down for many reasons. “There are roadworks and a number of new junctions. The road in from Kells somewhat problematic but there have been improvements. There is no way queues on the Kells Road are as bad as they were.

“I don't know how we can offset online shopping and the change in shopping habits. We have to support local business and shop local”.

Director of Services Martin Murray said a comparison would be seen in the ABTA study.

“We don't want to lose sight of the overall objective there. Quite clearly it has successfully increased public transportation use - the objective of 2030.”

He said there were knock on effects in enhanced pedestrian safety, enhanced mobility shift, increased use of cycleways.

“We are at an incremental phase. We have other projects to come through and we will be delivering more in the next few years. We will get you the facts and figures in terms of footfall before and after.”

Mr Murray noted that parking had not changed in Ludlow Street or Bridge Street.

A written response to Cllr Tóibín's motion noted that the council is currently undertaking a review of traffic movements in Navan as part work on the Navan Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA).

“The ABTA will consider the Active Travel, Public Transport and Road networks in the town and include objectives to improve and enhance each to cater for the projected growth of the town. Once complete, the ABTA information will inform the preparation process for future Development Plans and area-based plan.

“These plans will be the subject of public consultation in the usual manner to afford members of the public and interested parties the opportunity to make submissions.”