Councillors presented with plans for major revamp vision for Navan's Flower Hill

Proposals for a major revamp of Flower Hill in Navan, which would include wider footpaths, single lane traffic and a rest area for pedestrians at the Rathaldron Road junction, were presented at a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last week.

The proposals also include the creation of three lanes of traffic at the bottom of Watergate Street to improve traffic flow at the junction with Poolboy Bridge.

Cormac Ross, senior executive engineer said the Flower Hill Public Realm Improvement Scheme includes the Poolboy junction and the Flower Hill/ Rathaldron Road junction. The Round O Junction will be advanced as a separate scheme, but they will all tie in together along with the planned cycle schemes along the R147.

Rafal Nieznalski of Brady Shipman Martin said the main focus will be "a transformation of the street into a more engaging liveable environment. The vision is about accessibility, safety, distinct character, and biodiversity."

"Historically, Flower Hill had been one of the key streets coming into the town. We have lookedat the history, a previous study in 2021 and the public consultation at that time."

The challenges include traffic dominance, very narrow footpaths, unsafe pedestrian conditions and visible neglect of buildings.

"There are very narrow footpaths on the steep part of Flower Hill and parking spaces are very, very narrow and aren't wheelchair accessible.

"We looked at heritage aspect. Frontages on the street are well defined apart from a few areas. There are a couple of protected structures, the old school and the bridge."

Mr Nieznalski said while the Round O junction was a separate project, it was designed to be consistent with the rest of the scheme. It will have safe accessible pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, street furniture and planting.

At the Rathaldon Road junction, there will be a rest area in the middle of the steep climb, street furniture and planting. The footpaths on Poolboy bridge will be widened. There are plans for planting, and street furniture at the open space overlooking the Boyne.

Marcus Clifford from Clifton Scannell Emmerson said a traffic modelling study had been carried out and the proposals for the junctions will see capacity maintained or improved.

The proposals for Flower Hill include single lane traffic, except at the junctions, where there will be two lanes to facilitate turning.

He outlined the proposals for a third lane at Watergate Street. One will be for traffic going straight ahead or turning left turn, the middle lane would be for traffic going straight on and there will be a dedicated right turn.

"This will allow pedestrian and active traffic movements happen while traffic is making right turning movements".

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said; “What is being proposed is incredible. Flower Hill will be completely transformed, offering residents and patrons improved accessibility, enhanced safety, and ease of movement."

“My only concern was a lack of public transport infrastructure on the plan. The council have reassured me that the provision of public transport is being explored at present. I am hopeful that an agreement can be reached between all the stakeholders.

“Flower Hill has been the forgotten corner of Navan over recent decades. Dereliction has been a major problem. "This plan will address that problem comprehensively. It is an investment, not only in the physical infrastructure it provides, but an investment in the families and the businesses who will thrive in the area.”

Cllr Francis Deane raised the issue of the exit from Blackcastle Lodge and Flower Hill Cresent. "It is very difficult to get access with cars parking on either side." He was told there would be greenery at the exit.

Cllr Alan Lawes said that when traffic crosses the Kells Road and merges into one lane, it could cause delays. "Other than that it is brilliant."

Cllr Yemi Adenuga said the plans were absolutely fantastic. "Reducing to single lane for most street and providing wider footpaths will enhance the public realm.

"It will make the area more attractive and easier to walk through. Many residents raised concerns about the heavy traffic. Will it be trialled to see what challenges there are so we can guard against them."

Cllr Emer Tóibín noted the third lane at Watergate Street would involve the loss of parking spaces. She asked if, with the reduction to one lane, the people of north of Navan would now use other roads."

Cllr John Duffy described the proposals as "excellent" and said the two lanes going up that up that street had "absolutely killed it".

"I look forward seeing the plan put in place," he said.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, said it was a great scheme and needed to be done.

“My only concern, which I raised at the meeting was a lack of public transport infrastructure on the plan. The council for their part, have reassured me that the provision of public transport is being explored at present. I am hopeful that an agreement can be reached between all the stakeholders.

“Flower Hill has been the forgotten corner of Navan over recent decades. Dereliction has been a major problem. This plan will address that problem comprehensively. It is an investment, not only in the physical infrastructure it provides, but an investment in the families and the businesses who will thrive in the area.”