East Meath Fianna Fail Councillor, Stephen McKee, has been told by Meath County Council that a new Public Realm Plan for Duleek is to commence shortly.
McKee secured a commitment from the Council last Summer to develop the plan pending the availability of funding and at the local area meeting on Thursday he was told that a collaboration has been agreed between Queen’s University Belfast and the Planning Section of Meath County Council to begin work on the plan.
“The Public Realm Plan which will involve a group of young qualified students working with Council planners and there will also be consultation amongst the general public and everyone will have an opportunity to have their say on it” McKee said.
“I tabled a motion at a Council Meeting last Summer calling for a Public Realm Plan to influence the way Duleek will look and function into the future and I am pleased that it will now proceed. This will be the first ever Public Realm Plan for Duleek and it is badly needed.
‘A Public Realm Plan would offer solutions to enhance all the public spaces in Duleek including street layout and how best to create a functional and pleasant environment in which to live, shop and interact for everyone.’
“It is clear to me that we need a co-ordinated approach to develop public infrastructure in the village, improve the environment for local business to flourish and enhance the quality of life for local residents. It will be important that adequate funding is provided to ensure that any agreed Public Realm Plan can be fully funded and that the work is fully carried out.’
“How we manage traffic and road safety in Duleek is one major issue. I would like to see the completion of the Main Street Traffic Management Plan as soon as possible and a new pedestrian crossing down at Londis.
“Traffic calming is badly needed also on the Station Road, on the Longford Road, the Navan Road and out at Duleek Soccer Club at Carranstown. There are just far too many HGV’s coming through the village.
“I am also seeking to secure funding under the national ‘Safe Routes To School Programme’ to make the route safer from the centre of Duleek out to the National Schools and to include a full cycle lane.’
