How was the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor chosen?

What Happens Next?

The design team are gathering information on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor Option during this PC3. Following this public consultation, feedback will be reviewed and assessed to determine whether any improvements to the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor can be made to minimise the impacts. Following any amendments to the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor, the corridor will be finalised and the changes documented in the Options Report. The Preferred Route Corridor and Options Report will then be published, and Phase 2 will then be completed. Thereafter, Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) will commence, and the project team will progress with the planning and design of the project. This will involve the design of a route for the greenway within the Preferred Route Corridor, and the environmental assessment of this route.

What stage is the project at?

Having determined the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor, the project is in the final stages of Phase 2 – Option Selection where a Preferred Route Corridor Option will be selected. Subject to TII approval, the Project will move to Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation. Phase 3 will include the design of the greenway route within the Preferred Route Corridor, environmental surveys and the preparation of reports to support a future planning application to An Bord Pleanála.

Land Acquisition

Under the Government''s Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, a Voluntary Land Acquisition Agreement process will be entered into with affected landowners. Full details on the Voluntary Land Acquisition Agreement process and the Greenway Sustainability Payment are contained in the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, 2021.

Insurance/Indemnities

The Council will indemnify the landowner / farmer against all actions, claims and demands arising from the acquisition of the land for the construction and use of the greenway.

Fencing/Maintenance

Where necessary, stockproof fences shall be provided to assist in preventing trespassing and for the protection of members of the public and animals. Fencing and boundary treatment will be discussed and agreed with the landowner / farmer and provided and maintained by the Council.

Farm Severance

 We are confident that in the vast majority of cases, it will be possible to route the greenway along farm boundaries and avoid severance. 

Road or Farm Crossings

Where possible, the greenway avoids crossing private access roads / driveways. However, this is not possible at every location. The project team will engage with the affected property/ landowner to agree the suitable solution at these locations. The health and safety of all users will be considered at the design of the Greenway will adhere to Transport Infrastructure Ireland''s design standards and requirements. 

Screening and Privacy

We will make every effort to route the greenway away from houses or farm buildings. Where necessary, screening measures such as hedges, fences, etc. will be used to provide adequate privacy

Planning Permissions/Future Development

A greenway should not impose any new planning restrictions on adjoining farmland. Should a farmer / landowner adjoining the greenway, having had land acquired for the greenway, wish to expand his landholding by acquiring or long-term leasing another property adjoining the other side of the greenway, the local authority will consider appropriate access arrangements to connect the two farm properties alongside the greenway.

Nuisance/Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour

The greenway will be designed, managed, and maintained by the local authority who will put appropriate measures in place and work closely with key stakeholders, like the Gardaí, in keeping with experience gained on other greenway/ greenway projects.

State-Owned Land

In line with the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, we will make every effort to minimise the number of private land holdings directly affected by the proposed greenway. The strategy will be to use existing suitable state-owned lands (for example, Coillte forestry, Belvedere House & Gardens, Lilliput Adventure Centre, etc.) where possible in determining the preferred route for the greenway.
Restrictions on Future Activities (How will the construction of the greenway impact the day-to-day use of my farm)
A greenway should not impose any new restrictions on adjoining farmland in relation to normal agricultural activities.

Disease Control/Dogs

The local authority will comply with any Regulations in connection with the Department of Agriculture Disease Eradication Scheme. Walking of dogs will only be permitted if the dog is on a lead. 

Assessment of Compensation

Compensation will be assessed in accordance with the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, 2021

Agronomists

Where a landholding / farm is affected by the preferred route, the ‘project promoter’ which is comprised of the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Westmeath County Council and other specific stakeholders, will pay for an independent agronomist to assist the landowner / farmer in the process.
Westmeath County Council have appointed an independent agronomist, Philip Farrelly & Co Agricultural Consultants, who are available to discuss the voluntary land acquisition agreement process with landowners. They will provide impartial advice to landowners. They can be contacted on the following:
Web: www.pfarrelly.com  
Telephone: 01 690 6555

Code of Practice setting this out in writing prior to implementation

A Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenway Projects was published in December 2021. The Code provides comprehensive information in relation to the process involved in planning, designing and constructing National and Regional Greenways. It includes an overview of the public consultation processes, constraints study, route selection and statutory processes, as well as information about the use of State-owned lands and the acquisition of private lands for developing greenways/ greenways.

Can existing infrastructures be used?

In line with the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, we will make every effort to maximise the use of existing suitable state-owned lands (Coillte forestry, Belvedere House & Gardens, Lilliput Adventure Centre, etc.) in determining the preferred option for the greenway. Existing infrastructure can be used where it meets the project objectives. In particular, if it provides a segregated experience for users, i.e. away from road traffic. It also must provide safe access for people of all abilities not just walkers and cyclists.

Will the greenway impact the local wildlife and environment?

As the project moves through the phases it will be subject to environmental evaluation. This will include undertaking extensive ecological and other environmental surveys to avoid, reduce and/ or offset environmental effects.

Can a link to my local village, school sports ground etc. be provided?

Westmeath County Council is exploring ways to maximise the attractiveness of the greenway and where possible provide links to connect other cycling and walking infrastructure (e.g. Active Travel schemes) to the greenway subject to a needs assessment, funding, etc.

What happens at road crossings?

Safety issues including road crossings will be addressed as part of the Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation process and designed in accordance with TII standards