Transformation of Slane hangs on completion of much called for bypass

Proposals that would transform Slane village, including removal of the overhead gantries, narrowing of the roads, extensive tree planting, new-look village garden and time restricted parking are currently on public display.

The draft public realm plan for Slane makes extensive proposals which would radically change how the village looks and how traffic and pedestrians move through its centre.

Many of the proposals for the historic village are dependent on the provision of the long awaited bypass, which is expected to go to planning later this year.

Meath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have identified a route for the bypass, which will facilitate the delivery of significant elements of the public realm plan, which will be submitted to Board Pleanala along with the plans for the bypass.

Cllr Wayne Harding has called on the public to engage in the public consultation on the plan which was drawn up by BDP Consultants on behalf of Meath Co Council.

"This is an opportunity for residents to look at how we can improve the village’s streetscape for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. All aspects of village life will be taken into consideration and the public realm plan will also form part of the application process for the Slane bypass," he said.

Among the proposals is the reorganisation of the carriageway along N2 from the Square to Slane Bridge. This includes the removal of the overhead gantries and reducing the width of the carriages to 6.4 metres with two lanes of traffic and the provision of wide footpaths. This proposal is dependent on the delivery of the Slane bypass and the removal of heavy goods vehicles from the village.

The proposals are for wider footpaths throughout the village to encourage walking and narrower carriageways to reduce speeds and encourage cycling.

The consultants have proposed extensive tree planting to enhance the character of the streetscape and reduce air pollution as well as pedestrian crossings on raised tables, resurfacing and planted verges.

They propose careful positioning of new tree planting not to obstruct views on valuable façades as well as the under-grounding of overhead services throughout the village.

It is proposed that materials, furniture and lighting proposals take into consideration the character and heritage in the village.

The draft plan points out that "Slane sits amongst a wealth of natural and built assets. Located adjacent to the River Boyne, the village is in close proximity to an area of outstanding natural beauty and a gateway to the World Heritage Site, Brú na Bóinne. The village also sees visitors to annual concerts at Slane Castle and the Slane Distillery.

"These attractions can greatly increase a sense of place for locals and visitors. Currently there are poor links between these elements. One of the main aspirations of the plan is to link these sites as well as local community/commercial sites via recreational and direct links at strategic points throughout the village.

"Particular focus should be given to connections to the future Boyne Greenway scheme. Though further consideration from landowners in this area will be required, the potential to having linking spaces along the river and the benefits of such interventions should not be underestimated.

"The ambition of the public realm strategy is to offer solutions to reorganise the street layout across the village centre and to the south along Dublin Road to create a functional yet pleasant environment to move around, shop and interact. The proposal includes the redesign of the junction on the square, the creation of a new village square, the general reorganisation of the two main roads crossing the village and finally the creation of more pedestrian friendly and improved recreational connections along the southern approach of the village."

The proposals include the creation of a new village garden across from the Conyngham Arms Hotel with new tree planting, vegetation and furniture and a flexible central space for possible local events. It will feature a high quality paved space that is universally accessible and age friendly seating with armrests and backrests. The garden will include cycle parking opportunities, links to nearby shops and cafés, increased local biodiversity through the planting of native and naturalised trees, shrubs and herbaceous planting. The proposals include the installation of a public art piece.

The existing anglers car parking at the river will be resurfaced and retained. There are proposals for improved access and signage to the towpath recreational link.

Cllr Harding said: "There are very exciting times ahead for the village with an objective of the public realm plan for Slane to become a pivotal tourism hub for the proposed Boyne Greenway. The plan will cover enhanced greening, carparking, and increased connectivity to the villages many historic sites".

"There has been so many positive initiatives being driven in Slane village, most notably by Slane Tidy Towns and Slane Community Forum, which have readied Slane village for major capital investment that would fully realise its extraordinary potential to become a leading tourism destination in the north east".

The plans are on display at Buvinda House, Slane Library and online at https://consult.meath.ie/

Submissions must be received by 4pm on Friday 18th of February 2022.