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An Bord Pleanála
ROADS ACTS 1993 to 2007
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTS 2000 to 2014
Mayo County Council
An Bord Pleanála Reference Number: 16.HA0042
APPLICATION by Mayo County Council for approval under section 51 of the
Roads Act, 1993, as amended, in accordance with documentation, including
an environmental impact statement and Natura impact statement, lodged with
An Bord Pleanála on the 29th day of August, 2013.
PROPOSED ROAD DEVELOPMENT: A new N5 road development which
includes a northern by-pass of Westport and an eastern bypass of Castlebar,
an upgrade to the existing N5 east of Castlebar, a bridge crossing of Lough
Lannagh and an upgrade to an existing bridge crossing of the Castlebar River,
to be located in the townlands of Westport Demesne (ED Westport Urban),
Creggaunnahorna, Deerpark East, Attireesh, Westport Demesne (ED
Kilmeena), Gortaroe, Carrowbeg, Knockranny, Monamore, Sheeroe,
Drummindoo, Carrownaclea, Sheean, Cogaula, Doon, Knockbrack,
Bullaunmeneen, Kilbree Lower, Drumneen, Cloonan, Dooleague,
Claggarnagh West, Claggarnagh East, Annagh, Cloonkeen, Pheasanthill,
Derrylea, Derrycoosh (ED Cloonkeen), Derrynashask, Derrinlevaun,
Cloondeash, Aghadrinagh, Lisnageeha or Antigua, Lisnakirka or Milebush,
Balloor, Hawthornlodge, Shanvally, Cottage, Drumaleheen, Kilkenny, Doogary
(ED Breaghwy), Carheens, Liscromwell, Aghalusky, Ballynew, Ballyneggin,
Breandrum or Windsor, Clogher (ED Turlough) Gortnafolla, Knockanour,
Turlough, Drumdaff and Capparanny, County Mayo.
The proposed road development comprises:
23.7 kilometres of Type 2 Dual Carriageway.
2.1 kilometres of Type 2 Single Carriageway.
0.6 kilometres taper from Type 2 Dual to existing Single Carriageway.
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 1 of 9 Three compact grade separated junctions including overbridges.
Six roundabouts.
Two at grade left-in left-out junctions and one all movements at grade
junction.
One bridge widening over the Castlebar River.
Two rail bridges over the Westport to Manulla Junction railway line.
Eleven overbridges, two underbridges and seven farm underpasses.
Associated earthworks diversion of services, realignment of existing roads,
construction of accommodation tracks and ancillary works.
Excavation of peat and unacceptable material, excavation of rock and
disposal and recovery of unacceptable material.
Drainage works, landscaping and diversion of services and ancillary
works.
DECISION
APPROVE that part of the development between the Newport Road to
Castlebar East (described as Sections A, B and C) based on the reasons
and considerations marked (1) under and subject to the conditions set
out below. REFUSE to approve that part of the development between
Castlebar East to Turlough (described as Section D) based on the
reasons and considerations marked (2) under.
REASONS AND CONSIDERATIONS (1)
In coming to its decision, the Board had regard to the following:
(a) the provisions of the European Communities (Environmental Impact
Assessment) Regulations 2001 (as amended), and the European
Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011,
(b) the provisions of the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 regarding
improvements to the national road network, the National Spatial Strategy
for Ireland 2002 – 2020 and “Smarter Travel A Sustainable Transport
Future – A Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 – 2020”,
(c) the provisions of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region
2010-2022, including Objective I05, which identifies the roads projects
considered a priority for completion, and includes the ‘N5 Westport to
Longford to Roscommon borders’,
(d) the policies and objectives of the Mayo County Development Plan 2014-
2020,
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 2 of 9(e) the policies and objectives of the Mayo County Development Plan 2008
– 2014, including Objectives NP2, NP4 and NP5, as set out in Appendix
1 of the development plan, which seek to commence land acquisition
and construction of the Westport Castlebar section, and to commence
design and land acquisition for the Castlebar by-pass and the Westport
Northern Relief Road respectively,
(f) the policies and objectives of the Castlebar Town and Environs
Development Plan 2008-2014, and Variation 3 of same made in
February, 2013 to incorporate the alignment of the subject road scheme,
(g) the policies and objectives of the Westport Town and Environs
Development Plan 2010-2016, and Variations 2 and 3 of same made in
2012 to incorporate the alignment of the subject road scheme,
(h) the sub-standard nature of the existing N5 national primary road
between Westport and Castlebar in terms of the number of direct access
points onto and off the roadway, the road width, the road alignment and
the resultant traffic safety improvements arising from the proposed road
development,
(i) the traffic congestion currently being experienced in the town of
Castlebar and, to a lesser extent, Westport,
(j) the community need, public interest served and overall benefits to be
achieved from the proposed road development,
(k) the extensive route selection procedures undertaken by the Road
Authority,
(l) the local authority initiatives to promote cycle and pedestrian
infrastructure in the county, and Westport’s designation as one of
Ireland’s first three ‘Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas’,
(m) the environmental impact statement and the Natura impact statement
submitted in support of the application,
(n) the submissions made during the application process, including the oral
hearing, and the range of mitigation measures set out in the
documentation received, and
(o) the report of the planning inspector, including the supporting report of the
assisting inspector,
The Board was satisfied that the information before it was adequate for the
purposes of undertaking an environmental impact assessment and an
appropriate assessment in respect of the proposed development.
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 3 of 9Environmental Impact Assessment: The Board considered and generally adopted the environmental impact assessment carried out by the Inspector. The Board shared the Inspector’s concerns regarding the impact that the proposed roundabout at Knockranny South might have on the setting of, and the approaches to, Westport Town. The Board attached a condition to mitigate the impact of this roundabout by requiring a reduction of same. The Board noted the input from the Annagh Residents and the views of the Inspector regarding the negative visual impact that would arise from the proposed bridge over Lough Lannagh. The Board considered that the visual and landscape impacts were not acceptable or justified and decided to omit the bridge and require alternative access arrangements by condition. The Board noted the comment of the Inspector that the proposed development would be likely to cause a marginal increase in the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the Board considered that this effect would be justified by the overall benefits of the proposed road development. Having regard to the nature, scale and design of the proposed road development, the environmental impact statement submitted with the application, the submissions on file and received at the oral hearing, and the Inspector’s assessment of environmental impacts, which is noted and generally adopted, the Board completed an environmental impact assessment and concluded that, subject to the conditions set out below, Sections A, B and C of the proposed road development would not be likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment. Appropriate Assessment: Having regard to the nature, scale and design of the proposed road development, the Natura impact statement and the environmental impact statement submitted with the application, the submissions on file and received at the oral hearing, and the Inspector’s assessment, which is noted, the Board completed an appropriate assessment of the proposed road development on the River Moy Special Area of Conservation (site code 002298). The Board was satisfied that the part of the proposed road development being approved (Sections A, B and C), in itself or in combination with other plans or projects, would not adversely affect the integrity of the European sites in the vicinity in view of the conservation objectives of those sites. The Board noted the Inspector’s concern in relation to the potential impacts of Section D of the proposed road development on the River Moy Special Area of Conservation when considered in combination with other future planned road projects, but in light of the decision to omit Section D for other reasons (as set out in Reasons and Considerations (2) below), the Board did not consider that these concerns would have any implications for the completion of Sections A, B and C of the proposed road development. ______________________________________________________________ 16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 4 of 9
Additional Considerations: In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to seek further information in relation to the severance of routes serving pedestrian and cyclists in parts of Section A of the proposed roadway, the Board considered that these design concerns could be addressed by way of condition. The Board shared the Inspector’s reservations in respect of the proposed bridge at Lough Lannagh which is designed to serve Annagh Road, a minor country lane ‘cul de sac’ serving a small number of properties. The Board considered that the scale of the proposed bridge, comprising a 5-span bridge of approximately 120 metres in length, would have a significant negative impact on the landscape at Lough Lannagh and the Board, therefore, concluded that the justification for the bridge was insufficient to render the environmental and landscape impacts acceptable. The Board noted the alternative route discussed during the oral hearing and considered that connecting the Annagh Road by the alternative route would be preferable. The Board considered that this route could be delivered with significantly reduced environmental impact and was of the view that the reservations expressed by the applicant were amenable to resolution. The Board also considered that a number of the proposed roundabouts, and in some cases the associated slip roads, are over-designed for the traffic volumes envisaged and would involve environmental impacts without sufficient justification. The Board, therefore, attached conditions to omit the slip lanes at the Knockranny North and Castlebar East roundabouts and to reduce the diameter of the Knockranny South roundabout. The Board was satisfied that the amendments sought by the conditions set out below would not lead to significant effects on the environment and would not have significant implications for the Compulsory Purchase Order. Conclusion: It is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, Sections A, B and C of the proposed road development would not have significant negative effects on the community in the vicinity, would not give rise to a risk of pollution, would not have a detrimental impact on archaeological heritage, would not give rise to detrimental visual or landscape impacts, and would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity. It is considered that the proposed road development, which would constitute an improvement in terms of road safety and convenience, would be in the interest of the common good and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. ______________________________________________________________ 16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 5 of 9
CONDITIONS
1. The development shall be carried out and completed in accordance with
the plans and particulars lodged with the application, as amended by the
further information submitted to An Bord Pleanála at the oral hearing on
dates between January 14th and 17th, 2014 and January 21st and 23rd,
2014, including the environmental impact statement and Natura impact
statement and supporting documentation, except as may be otherwise
required in order to comply with the conditions set out below.
Reason: In the interest of clarity.
2. The proposals, mitigation measures and commitments set out in the
environmental impact statement and Natura impact statement and
supporting documentation, and as further clarified by submissions made
by the road authority to the oral hearing on various dates between
January 14th and 17th, 2014 and January 21st and 23rd, 2014, shall be
implemented as part of the proposed road development.
Reason: In the interest of clarity and to mitigate the environmental
effects of the proposed road development and to protect the amenities of
the area and of property in the vicinity.
3. Section A of the proposed roadway, that is from the Newport Road to
Knockranny South, shall be modified as follows:
(a) A one metre wide grass verge shall be provided between the
vehicular carriageway and proposed footpath/cycleway starting
from the junction with the Attireesh Road (opposite plot P0180) to,
and along, the south side N5/N59 link road (from chainage 2+000
to 2+764) as far as the junction with the old railway line on the
Carrowbeg Road (at plot P0100).
(b) A one metre wide grass verge shall be provided between the
vehicular carriageway and proposed footpath/cycleway starting
from the Allergan junction on the Carrowbeg Road to, and along,
the south side N5/N59 link road (from chainage 3+000 to 4+305).
The footpath, cycleway and grass verged area shall also extend
south along the Knockranny Link Road to the Knockranny South
roundabout and west to plot P0525.
(c) A grade separated crossing (underpass or over bridge) with
appropriate signage and road markings shall be provided across
the N5/N59 link road (between chainage 2+000 and 2+300) to
facilitate a continuity of movement for pedestrians and cyclists to
and from the Great Western Greenway and the Western way.
(d) The proposed Lodge Road underpass (under the proposed N5/N59
link road) shall include provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 6 of 9(e) A link for pedestrians and cyclists shall be provided from the Lodge
Road to the N5/N59 Link Road.
Reason: In the interest of traffic, cyclist and pedestrian safety and to
support the cycling and walking asset that has been successfully
promoted in the county.
4. Section A of the proposed roadway shall be further modified as follows:
(a) The slip road at the Knockranny North roundabout from the
proposed N5 to the Knockranny Link Road shall be omitted.
(b) The proposed Knockranny South roundabout shall be reduced from
80 metres to a maximum of 50 metres diameter.
(c) The amended layout at these two roundabouts shall make
improved provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
Reason: In the interest of amenity on the approaches to Westport and in
the interest of the safety of road users.
5. Section B of the proposed roadway, that is from Knockranny North to
Castlebar West, shall be modified so that the proposed bridge over the
N5 at Islandeady shall include provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
Reason: In the interest of traffic, cyclist and pedestrian safety, to support
the cycling and walking asset that has been successfully promoted in the
county, and to facilitate connectivity to the proposed Castlebar-
Islandeady Greenway.
6. Section B of the proposed roadway shall be further modified as follows:
(a) The proposed over bridge at Lough Lannagh and associated works
to serve the Annagh Road shall be omitted.
(b) A new local road link shall be provided immediately adjacent to the
northern carriageway of the N5 to link the Annagh Road to the
“Fore Annagh Road”.
(c) A new underpass shall be provided under the proposed N5 at the
“Fore Annagh Road” to serve local traffic.
Reason: In the interest of protecting the visual and landscape amenities
of Lough Lannagh, and having regard to the need to serve the low traffic
volumes accessing and egressing Annagh Road.
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 7 of 97. Section C of the proposed roadway, that is from Castlebar West to
Castlebar East, shall be modified as follows:
The slip roads at the proposed Castlebar Road East roundabout shall be
omitted.
Reason: In the interest of amenity on the approaches to Castlebar, and
in the interest of the safety of road users.
8. Section D of the proposed roadway, that is from Castlebar East to
Turlough, shall be omitted with the exception of works required to
accommodate the approach to the roundabout. No works required for
the approach to the roundabout shall extend eastwards of chainage
40+400.
Reason: In the interest of clarity having regard to the refusal of Section
D of the proposed roadway.
REASONS AND CONSIDERATIONS (2)
Having regard to:
(a) the relatively recent upgrade of this section of the N5 roadway on a
greenfield line between Castlebar and Turlough,
(b) the compliance of the existing road with current standards for Type
2 single carriageways and the current condition of the road in terms
of surface treatment, cross sectional dimensions, horizontal and
vertical alignment and the existence of continuous hard shoulders
that are generally wider than those required by design standards,
(c) the existing and future predicted traffic volumes for this section of
road,
(d) the proximity of the proposed road to cultural and natural heritage
assets at Turlough Park, Turlough Church and the trees at Clogher,
and the potential impacts on these heritage assets, and
(e) the report of the person who conducted the oral hearing into the
application for approval of the proposed road development,
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16.HA0042 An Bord Pleanála Page 8 of 9it is considered that the proposal to advance this section of the N5 roadway
from Castlebar East to Turlough to dual carriageway standard at this time has
not been adequately justified by traffic and safety considerations, having
regard to the environmental impacts arising. The proposed development,
described as Section D, would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning
and sustainable development of the area.
Member of An Bord Pleanála
duly authorised to authenticate
the seal of the Board.
Dated this day of 2014.
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