The proposed works consist of the construction of a segregated pedestrian and cycle surface, on both sides of the R445, a reduction of road widths to a minimum of 6.0m, along the R445, in the townland of Gortybrigane and Birdhill, Co. Tipperary. The scheme extents are from a tie-in point with the emerging Killaloe Bypass/Shannon Crossing/R494 Improvement Scheme development just north of the existing Birdhill roundabout in the east, to the 50kph/60kph demarcation on the R445 to the west of Birdhill Village.
In summary the proposed scheme involves the provision of:
• Section 1: A 3.0m wide shared pedestrian/cycle path along the western side of the existing R494 corridor and the northern arm of the existing R494/R445 Birdhill Roundabout Junction. This section of the proposed route ties into and very much mirrors the geometric arrangements of the emerging Killaloe Bypass/Shannon Crossing/R494 Improvement scheme.
• Section 2: A 3.0m wide shared pedestrian/cycle path over a 50m length within the verge area to the northwest of the existing roundabout. The route utilises a 1:20 ramp from the existing embankment top, to the existing ESB road level adjacent the ESB sub-station. The western arm of the Birdhill Roundabout will be redesigned to accommodate a new informal two-stage pedestrian/cycle crossing facility via an enlarged/realigned refuge/splitter island in accordance with best practice guidance.
• Section 3: This section connects the Birdhill roundabout with Birdhill Village over a distance of approximately 495m and includes a number of private vehicle entrance/exit points in addition to the existing 50kph/60kph demarcation. It incorporates a raised one-way cycle track along both sides of the carriageway. The existing footpath along the south- eastern side of the corridor is to be retained whilst a new 2.0m wide footpath is proposed along the entire north- western side of the corridor.
• Section 4: Approximately 110m in length, Section 4 is aligned along the central part of the scheme within Birdhill Village. Over this section, the R445 corridor exhibits a narrow cross section at the location of existing business premises and as such a shared pedestrian/cycle path varying in width from 2.4m (at a localised pinch point) to 3.0m is proposed. A short section of 1.75m raised cycle track and footpath varying width (minimum 2.0m) approaching the R445/R466/R504 staggered cross roads on both sides is also proposed.
• Section 5: Approximately 320m in length extending from the R445/R466/R504 staggered crossroads, south-westwards as far as the existing 50kph/60kph demarcation. The existing footpath along the north-western side of the corridor is to be retained as much as possible whilst a new 2.0m wide footpath is proposed along the majority of the south- eastern side of the corridor providing a safe connected pedestrian route to/from both the southbound bus stop and the pedestrian entrance to Birdhill Park and Playground. Section 5 includes the installation of a new signal-controlled toucan crossing facility across the R445 and the installation of a new bus shelter on the south side of the carriageway at
Birdhill, Co. Tipperary, within the townlands of Gortybrigane and Birdhill
The development has been the subject of an Appropriate Assessment screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and article 250(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended. The Appropriate Assessment screening concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to give rise to significant or indeterminate impacts on any Natura 2000 site.
In accordance with Article 120(1)(a) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, the Planning Authority has carried out a preliminary examination of nature, size and location of the proposal, and has concluded that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including AA and EIA Screening Reports will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at: -
• Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, E45 A099
• Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Emmet Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 D5T7
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from 9:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday from 21st August 2024 to 20th September 2024 (inclusive, excluding bank holidays).
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated, may be made online at https://planning.localgov.ie or in writing to:
Liam Brett, Director of Services, Roads, Transportation, Active Travel & Health and Safety, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, and should be clearly marked ‘Part 8 in respect of proposed Birdhill Active Travel Scheme” no later than 4.30pm on Friday 4th October 2024.
Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.