Plans to further reduce traffic in Irishtown

An urban design framework for the Irishtown/Golden Island area presented to Athlone Town councillors last night (Tuesday) is urging the council to further reduce the number of cars in the area in a bid to create a more pedestrian friendly, integrated town centre quarter. The framework, which draws on the Athlone Town Development Plan 2008-2014, covers the area bordered by Sean Costello Street, John Broderick Street and TP O"Connor Street, which runs from O"Briens to Bethlehem and also from Shoe Rack to McGorisk"s. The site, comprising approximately 0.34 hectares (0.84 acres), is describes as 'an important edge of town centre site. The principal central area under examination is in public and private ownership and is considered an under-utilisation of a prime development site.' The study is specifically focused on the central area within the urban block and examines the future development potential of lands within the area and gives guidance as to the future layout and design of the quarter. And as locals are still trying to get to grips with the new one-way traffic system and the congestion it has caused in the town centre, the framework suggests a further restriction on the use of cars in the area. 'The use of cars will need to be regulated and possibly reduced within the local streets, while footpaths and other urban amenities, such as trees, benches and cycle racks need to be integrated into the local streetscape,' the study states. Walking and cycling will be promoted in the area and the plan seeks to reduce levels of traffic and discourage the use of HGVs in the town centre for environmental and safety reasons. While the study wants to discourage the use of HGVs in the town centre, it has not gone as far as to suggest a ban on HGVs in the town centre, similar to that in place in other towns around the country, such as Maynooth. However, the plan states that the council will control parking provision in the area and restrain non-essential commuting by car. 'The council shall seek the reduction of through-traffic entering town centres and encourage measures to restrain the use of motor vehichles, especially commuting by car, for the benefit of local traffic, public transport, pedestrians and cyclists,' the document states. The council plans to provide adequate parking for commercial and residential use, but the design framework advises that large areas of parking should be avoided. In a bid to create greater connectivity in the area the framework proposes extending TP O"Connor Street east to the Earls site near Supermac"s, which will result in the formation of two perimeter blocks to the north and south respectively. The study pointed out that the area is currently dominated by on-street car parking and proposed an underground car park in the area. The plan hopes to establish a vibrant quarter in the town centre with a mix of retail and residential uses. 'The area has a significant potential to become further integrated into the urban fabric of the existing town cetnre of Athlone. The strong traditional layout along Sean Costello Street and the recent mixed-use development at the west end of the site have created a positive contribution to the urban fabric, which can be further developed into a vibrant and vital quarter of significant urban quality,' the report stated. 'The site offers the potential to strengthen the vibrancy and vitality of Athlone town centre,' the report added. The document states that all applications for development will be expected to create or positively contribute to a connected network of streets and spaces and the town council will undertake a study of all open space and public realm areas and indentify routes to link these spaces. The urban design framework plans to create a mixed use town centre with a healthy retail environment, creating opportunities for people to live and work in the area and reduce the need for travel by car. The town council is to encourage residential use in the upper floors of town centre properties and in general all town centre properties will be required to provide residential accommodation. Requirements of pedestrians and cyclists will be a priority. Higher residential density will be encouraged in the town centre. The commercial development of theatres, cinemas etc will also be supported, while the corner of Payne"s Lane and TP O"Connor Street has the potential to develop into a small scale civic space, serving the subject block and adjoining local areas. The plan was discussed by councillors at last night"s monthly meeting.