A walking and cycle route from the Rathmullan Road and Marley’s Lane area to the centre of Drogheda is one of 35 projects under the national Pathfinder Plan announced yesterday by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.
The Pathfinder Programme consists of 35 exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country within the next 3 years.
The projects were selected following Minister Ryan’s call to local authorities to submit their most innovative, transformative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas – the projects that could make the greatest difference to people living in their counties.
Welcoming the announcement Councillor James Byrne said: “This initiative is not a new funding stream, but it is aimed at ensuring the projects selected are provided the impetus to deliver quickly.
“For example, the Leadership Group through this Pathfinder Programme “will continue to engage with all local authorities to ensure momentum and that the lessons and experience of the shortlisted projects are shared for everyone’s benefit.”
“The Government wants to see this, and 34 other projects around the country, delivered within three years.
“This piece of cycling infrastructure will be game changing for the people of Drogheda in terms of transport mobility and is only one of several such projects in the pipeline.
“I am anxious to see real progress on this and I can confirm that Louth County Council hopes to have the initial Gateway Report ready for submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA) by mid-November for approval to proceed to preliminary design.
“The design consultants, RPS Group, are progressing well with preliminary designs and Louth County Council hopes to present plans to Councillors in the coming weeks.”
Also welcoming the news was Deputy Fergus O’Dowd who said the project will create a safer and more sustainable transport link between local schools, healthcare facilities, and sports and leisure facilities along Marley’s Lane and the upper part of Rathmullan Road, to the town centre of Drogheda, in line with the 15 minute Neighbourhood concept outlined in the plan.
“The Drogheda scheme will also provide a link to the town for people living along the scheme in the multiple housing estates to connect with Drogheda Town Centre, as well as Bus and Train stations along the R132. The Project will play an integral part in connecting residential areas, town centre, educational premises and an existing Boyne River Path.”
