10 Minute Towns |Access i b i l i t y & Framework Repor t
The typical suburban development pattern seen in recent decades in many Irish towns has consisted of individual housing areas delivered by independent land owners. This has often led to poor connectivity between these residential areas and key community facilities such as schools, shops, leisure, and healthcare facilities. In addition, the transport networks associated with this development pattern have been centred on private vehicles, with little attention paid to pedestrian and cycle accessibility, or access to the public transport network. This has fostered car dependency and has tended to undermine the viability and attractiveness of more sustainable modes of travel in towns and villages across the country. “This has often led to poor connectivity between these residential areas and key community facilities”
Recent developments in planning policy, led by the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) and including the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, have sought to address the issues associated with the previous development pattern. There has been much more focus on core policy objectives for compact growth and sustainable mobility and for support of improved permeability and the quality of the environment for pedestrians and cyclists in newer developments. However, there remains a challenge to retrofit our existing towns and villages to provide a coherent transport network focused on sustainable mobility, in particular facilitating convenient access to community facilities by walking and cycling. The emphasis on compact growth in the NPF and RSES for the delivery of new housing, employment, and community facilities will result in shorter distance trips. These will naturally promote access on foot or by bike, as they are more convenient for these modes compared to the longer distance trips that are generated by less dense suburban areas.
7
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker