Pedestrianisation of Trimgate St moves step closer

The allocation of a massive €7.2million for the pedestrianisation of Navan's Trimgate Street has met with a mixed reaction in the town where the proposal is proving highly controversial.

Over €22 million has been allocated to six regeneration projects in Meath, including €7.2m for the pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street.

€7.5m will go towards the Laytown–Bettystown Community Building and Amenity Park and €7.5m will be spent on the Ratoath Civic Centre under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.

The allocations also include €150,000 for the Old Spicers Mill project in Navan; €150,000 for the regeneration of Railway Street in Navan and €150,000 for the Water Activity and Castle Connects project in Trim.

While the €7.2million investment Navan was welcomed by local representatives and businesses, there was opposition by many to full pedestrianisation.

The Mayor Navan, Cllr Francis Deane welcomed the substantial investment. "Trimgate Street badly needs an upgrade but pedestrianisation is an issue that had to be discussed with the retailers. There are concerns among the traders and we will be meeting with them in the next few weeks."

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said €7.2million was "Some amount for a single street."

"It would be great to see that kind of investment in Trimgate Street, but I hope there will be flexibility. It is a fantastic amount of money and while it would be a great investment in Navan, if it is dependent on pedestrianisation, it will be putting a gun to our heads. I hope there will be flexibility and a sensible outcome."

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said Navan has lots to welcome in the government’s regeneration funding announcement. “A regeneration of Trimgate Street is long overdue. €7.2 million is a decent budget to have at the council’s disposal. It will completely transform the streetscape through footpath and street lighting improvements making the area safe and accessible for all and that is to be welcomed."

"Of particular interest is the Old Spicer’s Mill allocation. Plans to develop a tourist office, bike rental facility, café and a band stand will transform what is a derelict eyesore, into a very important gateway to Navan, particularly when the Boyne Blueway gets up and running. We’ve been waiting for news on that project for quite a while, it is great to see movement at last.

“Railway Street and the surrounding area is very important to the long-term development of Navan, its culture and heritage. I welcome the €150,000 allocation and I look forward to watching Navan’s Cultural Quarter develop further over the coming years."

Cllr John Duffy said the pedestrianisation project had yet to go through the Part 8 planning process. "The proposals will go on public display during the planning process.It will be up to the people to make submissions on those proposals. It seems to me the people of Trimgate Street don't want pedestrianisation, but when we see the submissions made by the public, a final decision will be made. The biggest fear that retailers have is the loss of 29 parking spaces on the street."

Trimgate Street businessman, Blair Clinton, said as far as he could see most of the traders on Trimgate Street don't want pedestrianisation. "We don't want it, but they don't seem to be listening, It would be reat to see investment in the street but I don't know if pedestrianisation is the right thing."

Minister Thomas Byrne has welcomed the funding. “This is an exceptionally positive announcement for County Meath, with almost €22.7 million being made available for projects that will revitalise our towns and provide valuable new facilities for local communities.

“I particularly welcome the two major investments of €7.5 million for the Laytown Bettystown Community Building and Amenity Park and €7.5 million for the Ratoath Civic Centre.

“The significant investment in Navan, our county town, is also extremely welcome.

“These are tangible investments that will improve public spaces, strengthen community life and make our towns better places in which to live, work and visit."

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly, said: "This is a hugely positive announcement for County Meath and reflects the strength of the Council's vision for the future development of our towns. These projects will help create more vibrant, attractive and accessible places for people to live, work, visit and enjoy."

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, added: "Securing approval for these projects is a significant achievement and once again demonstrates the ambition of Meath County Council to deliver transformational regeneration initiatives across the county."