N59 Great Western Greenway Map - Newport Town
Note:
The route corridors shown on this map are for general location purposes only. They are approximate and do not represent the actual design.
Project Description
The Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill passes through the town of Newport. There is no dedicated cycle/pedestrian facility through the town. This section is the key missing piece of the 42km Great Western Greenway. The proposed Great Western Greenway - Newport Town will provide a segregated pedestrian/cycle greenway through Newport town.
The Proposal Includes:
The proposed development is approximately 1.1km in overall length and includes the following:
- Development of a dedicated 3-4-metre-wide greenway through Newport town, spanning from Knocknageeha townland to Kilbride townland, connecting the existing Great Western Greenway.
- Realignment of the N59 along Medlicott Street to improve safety, introduce formalised parking, upgrade the junction with L-1401 Fahy Road, and enhance public realm spaces.
- Construction of a 4-metre-wide greenway ramp leading up to the Seven Arches Bridge from Medlicott Street, ensuring accessibility and connectivity.
- Upgrades to L-14072 Castlebar Street, including the introduction of formalised parking and new footpath infrastructure.
- New car parking facilities near L-14071 Barrack Hill, with convenient pedestrian access to the main street.
- Public realm improvements in the vicinity of the old train station, located off L-14072 Castlebar Street & L-14071 Barrack Hill.
- Provision of supporting infrastructure to enhance the greenway experience, such as bicycle parking, additional car parking, trailhead facilities, rest areas, and public toilets.
Appropriate Assessment
An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report was prepared by EirEco Environmental Consultants on behalf of Mayo County Council. The purpose of the Report was to determine whether or not the proposed development of the Great Western Greenway - Newport Town, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, has the potential to significantly affect one or more European sites, in view of best scientific knowledge and the Conservation Objectives of the sites concerned.
The Competent Authority, Mayo County Council, has found in completing its AA Screening in respect of the proposed Great Western Greenway - Newport Town, that the proposed development, either alone or in combination with other plans and projects, has no potential to significantly affect any European sites within a zone of potential influence. As such Mayo County Council, as the Competent Authority, has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is not required in respect of the proposed development.
Appropriate Assessment Screening Determination
Environmental Impact Assessment
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report was prepared by Greenleaf Ecology Ltd, on behalf of Mayo County Council, to examine the likely significant environmental impacts of the proposed Great Western Greenway – Newport Town.
The EIA Screening Report found that the characteristics of the potential impacts are not considered significant. There are no long-term negative impacts which can be associated with the project. Potential impacts during the construction phase will be temporary and effectively managed through best practice measures provided in the outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) prepared for the proposed development. No impact interactions have been identified. No likely significant long-term or permanent negative environmental impacts have been identified in the course of the screening process.
The EIA Screening Report recommended to Mayo County Council, as the Competent Authority, that the proposed Great Western Greenway – Newport Town would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of its characteristics, location, size, or potential impacts and does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment Report to be undertaken.
As such Mayo County Council, as the Competent Authority, has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required in respect of the proposed Great Western Greenway – Newport