Pathfinder projects: In profile
The Department of Transport’s pathfinder programme sets out 35 pilot projects for the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. There are six categories: national impact, cycle network, public transport, active travel, servicing schools/universities, and workshops/research. eolas Magazine examines a project from each category.
Inter-Urban Demonstrator – national link Cork-Waterford (national impact)
This will build on the greenway already in use in Waterford and will eventually link Waterford city and Cork city, with a 46km section from Waterford city to Dungarvan for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The section around Glounthaune in east Cork is completed and the adjacent sections are being worked on.
The Government is aiming to complete a 21km path between Midleton to Youghal at some stage in 2023. However, the path between Mallow to Fermoy to Lismore to Dungarvan is in the planning stage and there remains a 31km gap between the towns of Youghal and Dungarvan.
Mullingar Cycle Corridor with links to Dublin-Galway Greenway (cycle network/corridor proposals)
The Department of Transport has stated: “This Westmeath County Council project involves the provision of a walking and cycling route from the west to the east side of the town to bring cyclists into the core of the town, linking into the Dublin-Galway Greenway/Royal Canal Blueway and incorporating improved public realm aspects.
“The cycle corridor will complement the existing bike hire scheme in the town, which launched at the end of April 2022. It is intended that the provision of improved infrastructure will facilitate further expansion of the scheme.”
Athlone bus service electrification (public transport)
The first pathfinder project to have commenced, efforts to transform Athlone’s bus service into a 100 per cent electric operation began on 29 January. Since then, 11 new electric buses have operated in Athlone town services, completing a total of over 170,000km so far.
The new buses will be charged using newly installed charging infrastructure supplied with power from the newly constructed electricity substation within the Bus Éireann depot on Station Road, Athlone. Construction and installation work here was carried out by ESB Smart Energy Services.
Clonmel 10-minute town (active travel)
To be delivered by Tipperary County Council, this project will prioritise pedestrian access to town centre streets. In certain locations, it will involve creation of shared spaces, wider pedestrian facilities with seating, cycle stands, and smart technology, incorporating tree planting, landscaping and drainage measures.
The project will connect existing and proposed walking and cycling infrastructure such as the Suir Blueway, the proposed Suir Island pedestrian and cycling bridge, the proposed Cahir to Clonmel Greenway, and the Safe Route to Schools projects.
Five Cities Demonstrator: Limerick City university connectivity (servicing schools/universities)
The Five Cities Demonstrator project will develop a rail link between Limerick city centre and the campuses of the main third level institutions, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.
Green Party TD for Limerick City, Brian Leddin, has welcomed the projects: “This is the first new train station in the midwest in more than a century, and it will be the first of a number of new stations across our city and suburbs, as Limerick grows its population to 150,000 or more.”
Workplace mobility hubs – four Dublin local authorities (workshops/research)
The four Dublin councils – Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, and Fingal County Council – will launch schemes with elements of cycle infrastructure, traffic reduction, road space reallocation, public realm improvements, and the 10-minute neighbourhood.
The city centre pathfinder will combine the conversion of College Green and Dame Street to a low-traffic environment with the enhancement of public transport and active travel provision via the review of the City Centre Transport Study.
In South Dublin, there will be a 11km cycle network in Tallaght/Dublin 24, and the development of Castletymon as a 10-minute neighbourhood via walking and cycling infrastructure, with public realm improvements. Both projects will link with the Dodder Valley cycle scheme creating an overall enhanced walking and cycling network.
The Dún Laoghaire/Blackrock area will be transformed into 10-minute town model to include segregated cycle facilities, an expansion of walking and cycling options into the area south of Dún Laoghaire.
With many Dublin Airport staff living in Swords, Fingal County Council will oversee a network in Swords, 5km from the airport, to facilitate improved cycling and public transport connectivity with Dublin Airport, further enhanced when the BusConnects scheme is complete in 2028.
