New 85-space car park to open next month
The new R150 Tara Road – Bóthar na Teamhrach, formerly referred to as the Spine Road, which links Laytown and Bettystown in County Meath, and includes segregated cycling and walking infrastructure, was officially opened yesterday and a new 85-space car park will open in the coming weeks.
The official opening was performed by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sean Drew, and Cllr Elaine McGinty, Cathaoirleach of the Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District.
The new 900m single carriageway was developed by Meath County Council at a construction cost of approximately €5.5m, with funding provided by the Department of Transport.
As well as the new road, the project also includes the upgrade of an existing roundabout, new roundabouts and junctions, and a new public car park with 85 parking spaces which is due to open next month.
The name of the new road came about after schools in the area were invited by Meath County Council to nominate a short list of options which was then put to the public via an online poll.
The poll, which attracted a total of 986 votes over a six-day period, saw the public choosing ‘Tara Road – Bóthar na Teamhrach’, in recognition of the area’s connection to the Tara Brooch which was found in East Meath in 1850.
Speaking at the event Minister Naughton said Tara Road will serve the communities of Laytown and Bettystown and help ease congestion in the area. “When improving our existing road network, it is vital that we take account of the needs of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians” she said.
“In this regard, we have ensured the provision of segregated cycling and walking infrastructure on the new spine road.
“As both towns are serviced by two primary schools and a post primary school, the scheme will improve access to these schools and provide a choice of routes to and from the schools. With students returning to school for the Autumn, the “extended route with cycling and walking infrastructure allows families to consider travelling by foot, scooter or bike and making the school run both active and sustainable.”
Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegard Naughton T.D., Cllr Sharon Tolan and Thomas Byrne T.D. at yesterday’s official opening of the new R150 Tara Road – Bothar na Teamhrach. Photo: Jimmy Weldon.
Cathaoirleach of Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District, Cllr Elaine McGinty said the new road is very welcome addition to the Laytown-Bettystown area as it will significantly improve traffic flow in the area, minimise congestion, improve the local environment and bring a much more pleasant experience for all road users.
“It’s great to see new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the area, which will I hope be well used by children and their parents when travelling to and from the schools in the neighbourhood”.
“Now, more than ever, it’s so important that we get ahead of the curve in identifying the future needs of the local population.”
Acknowledging the Council’s approach to naming the road, Cllr McGinty commended the inclusion of local schoolchildren’s input in the process.
“It has facilitated a greater understanding of the historical significance of the place in which they live, and I hope will help to engender that desired sense of ownership and pride in where they are from.
“There is a thriving local community in East Meath and with the growth we have seen over the last decade I hope that this much needed investment in public infrastructure in the area will continue. “
Councillor McGinty is working on prioritising the provision of much needed community space in East Meath. The opening of lands, that the Tara Road creates access to, needs to be considered as an ideal opportunity to deliver long overdue recreational spaces to this ever-growing area.
