Plans to make Convent Road Traffic Management Scheme permanent

The Convent Road Traffic Management Scheme is now at public consultation, with plans to make the scheme permanent. The 12-month trial filtered permeability scheme prioritises the movement of sustainable transport modes. The scheme includes a shared street outside Loreto School, new traffic calming and landscaping measures, and the closure to vehicular traffic on a 270m stretch of road (with local access maintained).

Now, to make the scheme permanent, all those who support it are asked to make a submission. This can be done by visiting this page, or by emailing planning@meathcoco.ie stating you are in favour (see below), before the 27th of October.

We’re asking all our followers and all people who want to make Navan a safer, more sustainable place to live to make a quick submission, outlining why this scheme should be made permanent. Suggestions for submissions include:

• It provides a safe cycling option from my area to Navan town centre
• It will encourage more people to make the move to sustainable transport and help reduce car dependancy and emissions
• It is part of a key route in the overall Navan Cycle Network and provides safe access from many parts of Navan to the town centre and to the Boyne Ramparts/Greenway
• It prevents rat-running and cut-through traffic from the local residential streets

A recent independent survey showed that 70% of people were in favour of the trial. Over 80 people were surveyed, and the results showed that 85% had a favourable attitude towards active travel schemes in general, and 74% believed the scheme provides easier access for pedestrians and cyclists.

It can’t be stressed enough that this scheme is not just for Convent Road, but plays a key part of the Athlumney to Trim Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme, and of the overall Navan Cycle Network. It will connect the areas of Athlumney, Johnstown, Farganstown and beyond to the town centre. A total of 10 other options were also explored and subsequently ruled out, leaving Convent Road as the only remaining option to provide a safe cycling route for the area.

We hope to see this scheme made permanent to help encourage active travel and make Navan a more sustainable place to live.