Council approves Beechmount to Balreask Manor cycle scheme

Meath County Council has approved the Beechmount to Balreask Manor cycle scheme in Navan which will provide an additional 0.8km of walking and cycling infratructure on the R161 Trim Road from the Beechmount Avenue junction to 200m south of Balreask Manor.

The proposed scheme includes the construction of a two-way cycle facility and upgraded footway on the western side of the road between Beechmount Avenue and Balreask Manor and the provision of a one-way southbound cycle facility plus pedestrian footway on the eastern side between Balreask Village/Swanbrook and Canterbrook junctions.

The work includes associated landscaping, public lighting, drainage, pedestrian and cycle crossings, boundary treatments, surfacing works, kerb re-alignments, raised tables and speed cushions along the scheme.

Three submissions were received on the plans during public consultation including one from Navan Cycling Initiative, one from the Irish Cycling Campaign and one from a local resident.

The chief executive's report on the part eight recommended that the project proceed and this recommendation was accepted by councillors.

Welcoming the decision to proceed, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said: "The Beechmount to Balreask Manor Cycle Scheme will connect residential areas on the Trim Road with the centre of Navan through the provision of a safe pedestrian and cycle route. Work to deliver this section of the scheme is well underway and I’m delighted this phase was approved by the planning authority.

“For over a year I engaged with a number of local resident groups who raised concerns about how the scheme would impact trees and embankments along the Trim Road.

“Those concerns were passed on to MCC and I am delighted that the proposed route will not require the removal of trees at Balreask Village or the embankment at Balreask Manor. I thank the council and the local residents for their co-operation in getting this over the line.

“Work on the next phase of the scheme is ongoing. Its delivery will see the installation of public lighting on the Trim Road and most importantly, traffic lights will be installed at the Balreask Arms Junction which is quite dangerous. Access to the town will be much safer when this scheme has completed benefitting the entire community for many years to come.”