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KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
ROADS, TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001-2013
(PART VIII)
STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY
ARTHUR’S WAY PHASE 2
[DEVELOPMENT AS A WALKING/CYCLING ROUTE]
Sonya Kavanagh
A/Director of Services for Roads, Transportation & Public Safety
Kildare County Council,
Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park,
Naas,County Kildare
March 2015
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
ROADS TRANSPORT & PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
ARTHUR’S WAY – PHASE 2
[Development as a Walking/Cycling Route]
STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY PART VIII PLANNING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION
1
2. PROPOSED SCHEME OBJECTIVES
4
3. PLANNING CONTEXT
5
4. DESCRIPTION OF SCHEME
7
5. IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME
12
6. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS
15
7. PROJECT DELIVERY & FUNDING
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail is approximately 17km in length and runs from
Leixlip to Oughterard linking places associated with the life of Arthur Guinness.
Fáilte Kildare developed it as a walking trail (Phase 1) in 2013-2014. Phase 2 is
its development as a cycling route which largely uses existing roads and passes
through Castletown Estate using existing shared paths. The only section which
involves significant construction (other than signage and lining) is along the
Grand Canal towpath.
Consultants AECOM were commissioned by Kildare County Council to examine
the upgrading of the Grand Canal towpath to a shared cycle / pedestrian
(greenway).
1.2
Area of Proposed Works
The area of proposed works, shown in Figure 1, commences at Hazelhatch
Bridge, and continues along the Grand Canal to the Lyons Estate. This distance
is approximately 3.0 km.
Independently, Waterways Ireland is developing a proposal to upgrade the
Harbour at Hazelhatch which is expected to seek planning permission in 2015.
Thus, there is an area of overlap between the proposals advanced by
Waterways Ireland and Arthur’s Way.
1.3
Existing Situation
The existing towpath in this area is generally a flat gravel path along the
southern side of the canal. There is a small level difference between the canal
and the towpath. To the south of the towpath, there is a drainage ditch. The
adjacent land predominately consists of farmland, apart from the Lyons estate
located to the southwest of the study area.
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Figure 1 - Works Area
1.4
Stakeholder Consultation
AECOM has consulted with various stakeholders as part of these works
including Kildare County Council (KCC), Waterways Ireland (WI), the National
Transport Authority (NTA) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Consultation with government departments and agencies took place as part of
the feasibility study for the upgrade of the Grand Canal towpath.
As part of this process, Waterways Ireland was keen that the proposed surface
finish should be kept consistent with the character of the surrounding area and
the need to be aware of the environmental sensitivity of the existing canal
corridor.
Given the environmental sensitivity of the canal corridor, AECOM consulted with
the Environmental section of Waterways Ireland, to discuss and understand the
major concerns and limitations on development options. A Mammal Survey
Report was issued as part of a suite of background reports.
Contact was also made with the Heritage Officer of Kildare County Council and
the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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AECOM compiled information relating to the built environment and issued this to
the Architectural Conservation Officer in Kildare County Council for review and
comment.
1.5
Route Survey
A topographical survey of the Grand Canal and associated bridges was carried
out in November 2014. The survey was undertaken in order to identify available
width along the canal as well as possible pinch point locations. The bridges and
junctions were also surveyed along the route.
A desktop study of the topographical survey and numerous site visits were
undertaken to establish the constraints and develop a working knowledge of the
issues along the proposed route.
A constraints drawing was produced to identify the critical matters and assist in
the development of design options. The constraints examined both the
engineering and environmental aspects of the proposed route.
1.6
Utility Information
Information was obtained from the various utility companies including Bord Gais,
Aurora Telecom, BT, Eircom, e-Net, ESB and UPC. Of these, it was determined
that Aurora Telecom, Eircom and ESB utilities are located within the vicinity of
the proposed works.
Aurora Telecom has a fibre optic cable running the full length of the
scheme, with a number of service chambers provided on the route.
Eircom have services crossing both Hazelhatch and Aylmer Bridges,
but no services along the Grand Canal.
The ESB has LV overhead power lines provided beside Aylmer Bridge,
with a MV overhead line provided across the Grand Canal at Skeagh
House.
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
PROPOSED SCHEME OBJECTIVES
2.1
Proposed Scheme Objectives
Arthur’s Way was developed as a walking route in part using the existing
towpath along the Grand Canal. The core objective of the proposed scheme
was to develop Arthur’s Way as a cycling route and to upgrade the towpath for
both walking and cycling.
The Heritage Trail is also proposed as a tourist amenity, targeted to attract an
increased number of visitors to the local area. The development of Arthur’s Way
will provide an excellent investment in the local tourist infrastructure, linking
many local points of interest including Leixlip Castle, Castletown House, and
Lyons Estate.
The proposed scheme objectives consist of the following:
To provide a route for cycling
To upgrade the existing walking route
To attract increased number of visitors to the local area and promote the
Arthur’s Way Trail
To encourage and promote walking and cycling in the local area
To increase the accessibility of the canal for pedestrians and cyclists
To provide part of the Greater Dublin Cycle Network linking Naas and
Dublin;
To improve the canal corridor as a commuter and recreational route
To increase and promote the amenity value of the Grand Canal and
To increase and promote the historical and heritage value of the Grand
Canal.
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
PLANNING CONTEXT
The promotion of walking and cycling facilities is supported by a number of
national and local policy documents. Some of the main policy documents are
discussed below.
3.1
Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future – A New
Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 – 2020
Smarter Travel recognises the vital importance of continued investment in
transport to ensure an efficient economy and continued social development but
also promotes more sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and
public transport.
3.2
National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020
The National Cycle Policy Framework (as part of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable
Transport Future 2009) sets out a national policy for cycling, in order to create a
stronger cycling culture, a more friendly environment for cycling and improved
quality of life. The vision is that all cities, towns and rural areas will be bicycle
friendly. The policy document sets a target of 10% of all trips by bicycle by 2020
and places emphasis on promoting and integrating cycle networks.
3.3
National Taskforce on Obesity
The National Taskforce on Obesity, a multi-sectoral body to report on the
challenge of obesity in Ireland, recommended in respect of high level government
that “All ….. Government Departments…. need to develop, prioritise and
evaluate schemes and policies ….. that encourage active living …..”
3.4
Healthy Ireland
The Healthy Ireland framework states “Supporting people to enjoy a healthy and
active life… is a fundamental goal of this policy framework” and defines a healthy
indicator as “Increase the proportion of population undertaking regular physical
exercise”.
3.5
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National Climate Policy
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
The national policy response to climate change was outlined in the National
Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) published in 2007. It set out a plan for how
Ireland can meet its greenhouse gas emissions limitation under the Kyoto
Protocol involving actions by all sectors of the economy.
3.6
Kildare County Development Plan 2011 -2017
Chapter 6 Movement and Transport of the KCC CDP 2011 – 2017 states that it is
the aim of the Plan “to promote ease of movement within and access to County
Kildare, by integrating sustainable land use planning with a high quality,
integrated transport system; to support improvements to the road, rail and public
transport network, together with cycleway and pedestrian facilities …”
The Development Plan sets out a number of specific Sustainable Transport
Objectives including the following:
ST 2: To encourage and facilitate safe walking and cycling routes as
a valuable form of transport, as a healthy recreational activity and an
alternative to the car;
ST 5: To provide for safer routes to schools within the county and to
encourage walking and cycling as suitable modes of transport as
part of the Green School Initiative Programme and other local traffic
management improvements;
ST 8: To support and encourage the continued development of
walking routes throughout the county and to co-operate with relevant
organisations and bodies, including walking groups and local
communities in the achievement of this objective;
ST 16: To continue to maintain and expand the footpath and
pedestrian route network in the county to provide for accessibility for
pedestrians in accordance with the aims of the European Charter of
Pedestrians’ Rights (1988);
ST 17: To facilitate the construction of cycleways throughout the
county and to integrate these cycleways with the DTO cycling policy
for the GDA (September 2006) as may be amended.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHEME
4.1
Introduction
This section outlines the key elements of the Heritage Trail construction that are
essential for the successful outcome of the project.
4.2
Available Width
The Arthurs Way Heritage Trail generally provides for pedestrians and cyclists.
Consideration has been given to the likely level of pedestrian and cyclist usage.
Total No.
1250
Domestic
Users
2500
% Walkers
60%
% Cyclists
Local Users
Overseas Users
1250
Total
5,000
22%
38%
n/a
40%
78%
62%
n/a
No. Walkers
750
550
475
1775
No. Cyclists
500
1950
775
3225
Figure 2: Estimated Number of Users
The width of the existing towpath varies from 2.0m to 2.4m in width. It is
bordered with a 0.6 to 1.2m buffer on the canal bank side and a grass verge of
varying width and a hedge row on the southern side.
As per NRA TD 300/14, Rural Cycle Scheme Design, the minimum desirable
width along the route necessary to provide a reasonable level of service for
pedestrians, cyclists and other leisure pursuits is 3.0m which equates to a trail
with a low volume of use. Regardless of the low volume of use, narrow widths
lead to conflict between cyclists and walkers especially where widths are
reduced below 3.0m and the risk of a cyclist/cyclist collision is increased.
In some locations it would be desirable to provide a slightly wider width to allow
for cyclists ‘wobbling’ on ascending to and accelerating on descending from the
Lyons Road. However, in other locations, in order to reduce the impact on the
environment it may be necessary to reduce the Heritage Trail to below 3.0m, to
approximately 2.75m. A minimum width of 1.0m will be provided between the
path edge and the canal.
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4.3
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Recommended width
For the majority of the route from Aylmer Bridge to Hazelhatch Bridge, the
Heritage Trail will be 3.0m wide, with three possible exceptions.
A 3.5m facility will be provided for the first 100m east of Aylmer
Bridge, as there is a rowing club located here, with the possibility of
a large number of people using this location during the weekends.
From chainage 1,780m to 1,945m the hedgerow comes close to the
canal edge, reducing the available towpath width. A decision on
whether to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to 2.75m will be
made on site following consultation with the appointed “Bat
Specialist”.
From chainage 2,692m to 2,932m the towpath is bordered by a ditch
to the south. Where the width is not available to provide a 3m wide
trail without significantly impacting on the hedgerow or affecting the
side of the ditch, the Heritage Trail will be reduced to 2.75m.
4.4
Surface Finish
As the development is solely on Waterways Ireland property, a quarry dust finish
is being proposed along the Canal. This quarry dust will be laid on top of a subbase layer of Clause 804 and rolled to provide a smooth surface.
The proposed material thickness recommendations for the towpath include
the following;
Quarry Dust (25mm)
150 mm- 200mm Clause 804 sub base
In order to reduce the risk of slips and skids on loose material on the
approaches to the Lyons Road a bound surface will be provided. A bound
surface will also ease the walk or cycle to the intersection with the road as there
is an existing slight gradient.
4.5
Drainage
Currently, there is a series of cut surface water drains in the existing
embankment between Aylmer Bridge and Hazelhatch Bridge (between chainage
1,100m to 2,100m). In locations where there is a large gap between the
drainage cuts, ponding was noted (approximately chainage 1,600m).
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Additional cut surface drains are proposed along sections of the towpath where
drainage is currently a problem.
4.6
Access Control
Cycling routes should be accessible to all types of bicycles, including use by
families who may use bikes with trailers for their children. Trailers are
significantly wider than bicycles.
Access control to the Heritage Trail is required where the trail meets the
adjacent road network, to ensure that the trail is restricted for pedestrians and
cyclists only, with no access for unauthorised motorised traffic.
It is preferable that cyclists do not have to dismount to negotiate the access
control. It is proposed to provide self-closing gates at three locations, at the
Hazelhatch access, and at the access points from either side of Aylmer Bridge.
The self-closing gate facility means that cyclists are less likely to have to
dismount. The self-closing type gate is shown in the figure below.
Figure 3:
4.7
Access Facilities on the Royal Canal
Public Lighting
No lighting is proposed under the current scheme.
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4.8
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Kerbing
It is proposed to provide a timber kerb at the edges of the construction to retain
the quarry dust in place.
4.9
Street Furniture and Signage
Road traffic signs will be provided at the junction with Lyons Road.
4.10
Future Waterways Ireland Application at Hazelhatch
Waterways Ireland, informed AECOM that they are currently preparing a
planning application for permission for amenity areas along the canal, including
additional jetties / marina facilities for boat users either side of Hazelhatch
Bridge. Proposals include new jetties either side of the Hazelhatch Bridge. Car
parking, landscaping, barge facilities and the upgrading of the existing towpath
with a bound surface is proposed on the western side of the bridge.
It is proposed that this planning application be lodged with the local authorities
during 2015.
4.11
Waterways Ireland Tree Maintenance
Waterways Ireland, informed AECOM that they were undertaking tree
maintenance along the Grand Canal in February 2015. This was undertaken
under the supervision of a Bat Specialist.
4.12
Road Crossings
It is proposed that the crossing at Aylmer Bridge is upgraded with signage and
lining, in accordance with NRA TD 300/14, Rural Cycle Scheme Design.
It is not proposed to provide any upgrades to the towpath beneath Aylmer
Bridge, as the towpath is very narrow at this location and it was considered
unsafe to bring pedestrians and cyclists to a location where they may be at risk
of falling into the water.
A Road Safety Audit was undertaken by an independent Road Safety Audit
team. The recommendations contained with the Road Safety Audit were
considered in the final design.
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4.13
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Summary
The proposed scheme consists of a 3.0km Heritage Trail, which will in general
provide a 3.0m wide high quality surface path for pedestrians, cyclists and other
users along the Grand Canal.
The Heritage Trail is also proposed as a tourist amenity, targeted to attract
increased number of visitors to the local area. The development of Arthur’s Way
will provide an excellent investment in the local tourist infrastructure, linking
many points of interest including Leixlip Castle, Castletown House, and Lyons
Estate.
The proposal consists of:
Upgrading the existing Grand Canal towpath to a new nominally 3m wide
Heritage Trail between the Hazelhatch Bridge as far as the blacktopped
road at the east end of the Village of Lyons.
Upgrading the existing towpath surface to provide a 3m wide Heritage
Trail with a quarry dust finish with timber kerbing.
Upgrading the existing pedestrian / cycle crossing at Aylmer Bridge.
New drainage works consisting of additional cut drains at areas liable to
ponding.
Provision of additional road traffic signage at the junction with Lyons
Road.
All ancillary works including site clearance, replacement of gates, traffic
counters, top soiling, seeding etc.
Photographs of various locations along the route are provided in Appendix B,
showing the existing cross section with photos taken in November 2014. An
ideal minimum width of 3.0m path width is proposed for the scheme. Subject to
the advice of a Bat Specialist, there are a two sections along the route where
the 3.0m width may be reduced in order to avoid the removal of trees/hedges
and other earthworks.
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IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME
5.1
Construction Summary
From Lyons Estate to Hazelhatch the proposed width of the Heritage Trail will
generally be 3.0m wide. At two sections, subject to the advice of a Bat Specialist
and in order to avoid significant impact on the existing hedge row, the Heritage
Trail may be reduced in width to 2.75m.
As Waterways Ireland has stipulated a quarry dust finish and this will be laid on
top of a sub-base layer of Clause 804 and rolled to provide a smooth surface.
The proposed material thickness recommended for the towpath include the
following;
Quarry Dust (25mm)
150 mm- 200mm Clause 804 sub base
Timber kerbing will be provided at the trail edges. Additional cut drains are
proposed along sections of the Heritage Trail where drainage is currently a
problem. Lighting is not proposed along the route.
5.2
Appropriate Assessment Screening
The first stage of the Appropriate Assessment process, screening, has been
completed in compliance with the relevant European Commission and national
guidelines.
In conclusion, the evaluation undertaken has identified that, in view of best
scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the Natura
2000 sites, there will be no likely significant effect on any Natura 2000 Site,
either individually or in-combination with other plans or projects.
As such it is concluded that the proposed development can be screened out at
Stage 1 of the Appropriate Assessment process.
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5.3
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Ecological Assessment (EA)
An Ecological Assessment (EA) was carried out by Roughan & O’Donovan
Engineers. The report included a base line survey, the impact and cumulative
impact of the development and recommended mitigation measures regarding
the protection of the Grand Canal, its linear habitat and water quality / pollution
prevention measures. It also recommended mitigation measures regarding bats,
otters, best practice for the application of quarry dust and the eradication of
invasive species.
Prior to any tree felling a full bat tree survey is recommended.
The Ecological Assessment is provided as part of this Part 8 documentation.
5.4
Bat Survey
A Bat Survey was carried out by Bat Eco Services in September 2014, and is
included as part of the Ecological Assessment. The survey reported records of
Common and Soprano pipistrelle, Daubenton’s bat, Natterer’s bat and Leisler’s
bats. Bats were recorded feeding and commuting along the entire length of the
survey route. The canal was used by the bats as a commuting route to allow for
dispersion into the landscape. Primary feeding areas are likely to be located at
Lyons Estate and the canal allows bats to safely commute to it. While a degree
of foraging activity was recorded on the canal, most were more often than not
flying without a high level of feeding.
The principal mitigation measure from the Bat Survey report was in relation to
retention of tree line/hedgerows protected from proposed development and any
infrastructure to support the development. Mature trees with dead wood and
crevices should be retained.
5.5
Otters
On the south bank of the canal, no holts have been identified within the work
area or adjacent to it. As otters are known to use the area, they are more likely
to use the north bank so they would not be disturbed by existing passers-by.
The Grand Canal Way is a registered trail with the National Trails Office. The
section from Henry Bridge to Hazelhatch is one of the more popular towpaths
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for walking. The photographs confirm the width of existing track relative to the
proposed trail.
There is no lighting proposed as part of the scheme so additional walkers or
cyclists are not expected after dark.
5.6
Invasive Species
The Environmental Assessment reported that Japanese Knotweed had been
found in 2014 and the affected areas treated. It recommended that a survey is
carried out to map the extent of invasive species and an Invasive Species
Management plan put in place prior to commencement of construction.
5.7
Impact of Proposed Development on Architectural and
Archaeological Heritage
The Report on Architectural and Archaeological Heritage detailed relevant
architectural and archaeological features in the vicinity of the proposed
works and concluded that there would be no significant impact as a result of
the proposed development.
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PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS
Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of the
proposal to provide a combined walking and cycling facility along the south
towpath of the Grand Canal between Hazelhatch and the Village at Lyons over a
distance of approximately 3 kilometres. It is proposed to upgrade the towpath to
provide a 3m wide greenway with a quarry dust finish. The scheme will also
include an upgrade of the pedestrian/ cyclist crossing at Aylmer Bridge, drainage
works at existing problem locations and ancillary works.
The proposed route contains no recorded monuments and during the field
survey no surface features of an archaeological nature were identified. No works
are proposed for the Aylmer or Hazelhatch Bridges which are protected
structures.
The towpath of the Grand Canal is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA).
An Ecological Assessment has been prepared as part of the scheme.
In accordance with S. I. 476, 2011, Section 250, Planning and Development
(Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2011 Kildare County Council has determined
that an Appropriate Assessment is not required.
Plans and particulars of the proposed Part 8 scheme will be available for
inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a
copy during normal opening hours from Tuesday 17th March 2015 until Tuesday
05th May 2015 at the following locations:
Kildare County Council,
Roads,Transportation & Public Safety Department,
(Level 4), Aras Chill Dara,
Devoy Park, Naas,
Co. Kildare.
Celbridge Library,
St. Patrick’s Park,
Celbridge,
Co Kildare
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Leixlip Library,
Captain’s Hill,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme will also be available to view on
Kildare County Council’s website at www.kildare.ie/countycouncil .
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing
with the proper planning and development of the area in which the proposed
development would be situated may be made in writing to:
A/Senior Executive Officer,
Roads, Transportation & Public Safety,
Kildare County Council,
Aras Chill Dara,
Devoy Park Naas,
Co. Kildare.
th
on or before 12.00 noon Tuesday 19 May 2015.
Submissions should be headed:
‘Arthur’s Way Phase 2 – Public Consultation’
All comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the
Council in regard to this scheme will form part of the statutorily required report to
be presented to the monthly meeting of Kildare County Council. Accordingly
they will also be included in the minutes of that meeting and may appear in the
public domain.
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PROJECT FUNDING & DELIVERY
7.1
Funding
The project is being funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
as part of the Government Stimulus 2014.
7.2
Delivery
Construction will take place during the summer of 2015 in line with
Departmental requirements.
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APPENDIX A LIST OF DRAWINGS
18
P_001
Site Location Plan showing Walking Cycling Diverge
P-002
Site Location Plan
P_100
Key Plan
P_100.1
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 1 of 10
P_100.2
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 2 of 10
P_100.3
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 3 of 10
P_100.4
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 4 of 10
P_100.5
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 5 of 10
P_100.6
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 6 of 10
P_100.7
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 7 of 10
P_100.8
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 8 of 10
P_100.9
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 9 of 10
P_100.10
Proposed Plan along Grand Canal Sheet 10 of 10
SD_001
Access Control
SD_002
Typical Cross Section
Kildare County Council
APPENDIX B PHOTOGRAPHS
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The photographs taken below are provided along sections of the existing towpath in November 2014. They show the
proposed 3m trail, highlighted by the two wooden markers. The north marker is shown at the canal bank, while the
second marker is provided 3m away. The photo locations are highlighted on drawings 60335138 P_100.1 to
P_100.10.
Photo 1 - at chainage 84m.
There is a 1.1m high embankment to the south of the canal at this location, with a number of trees at the back of the
embankment beside the Lyons Estate wall which is located 11m from the canal edge. The existing embankment may
have to be cut into for approximately 0.5m, with some minor earthworks required.
Photo 2 - at chainage 187m.
There is a 0.7m high embankment to the south of the canal at this location. The Lyons Estate wall is located 9m from
the canal edge. The existing embankment may have to be cut into for approximately 0.3m, potentially with some
minor earthworks required.
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Photo 3 - at chainage 352m.
There is a 0.57m high embankment to the south of the canal. The Lyons Estate wall is located 6.9m from the canal
edge. The existing embankment may have to be cut into for approximately 0.5m, potentially with some minor
earthworks required.
Photo 4 - at chainage 480m.
There is a 0.36m high embankment to the south of the canal. The Lyons Estate wall is located 6.8m from the canal
edge. The existing embankment may have to be cut into for approximately 0.2m, with some minor earthworks
required.
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Photo 5 - at chainage 673m.
The Lyons Estate wall is located 7.8m from the canal edge. The existing verge may have to be cut into for
approximately 0.2m, with some minor earthworks required.
Photo 6 - at chainage 799m.
The Lyons Estate wall is located 7.0m from the canal edge. The existing verge may have to be cut into for
approximately 0.2m.
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Photo 7 - at chainage 960m.
The Lyons Estate wall is located 9.5m from the canal edge. There is a wide canal bank at this location. The existing
verge may have to be cut into for approximately 0.2m.
Photo 8 - at chainage 1,132m.
The photo was taken at the first drainage channel east of Aylmer Bridge. The tree line is located 7.5m from the canal.
There is a 0.4m high embankment. The existing embankment will be set back with some minor earthworks required.
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Photo 9 - at chainage 1,357m.
The photo was taken at an ESB pole. The pole is located 4.3m from the canal. There is a 0.1m high embankment at the ESB pole.
The constructed width of the trail at this location will be 3m but the pole will reduce its effective width to 2.75m.
Photo 10 - at chainage 1,381m.
The photo was taken at the second Lamp Post to the east of Aylmer Bridge. The Lamp Post is located 5.9m from the
canal. There is a 0.2m high embankment at this location. The existing Lamp Post can remain in place as it is outside
the proposed 3m wide heritage trail.
Photo 11 - at chainage 1,632m.
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The photo was taken at the third Lamp Post east of Aylmer Bridge. The Lamp Post is located 6.0m from the canal.
There is a 0.3m high embankment, with the embankment rising after the point to the east. The existing Lamp Post
can remain in place as it is outside the proposed 3m wide heritage trail.
Photo 12 - at chainage 1,767m.
The photo was taken before a gap in the hedge line. There is a 0.5m high embankment at this point. The tree line is
located 5.5m from the canal. The existing embankment will be set back with some minor earthworks required.
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Photo 12A - at chainage 1,830m.
The photo was taken at a location where the hedge line comes closer to the canal bank. A decision on whether
to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to 2.75m will be made on site following consultation with the bat
specialist.
Photo 13 - at chainage 1,880m.
The photo was taken at the fourth Lamp Post east of Aylmer Bridge. The Lamp Post is located 4.0m from the
canal. There is a 0.56m high embankment. A decision on whether to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to
2.75m will be made on site following consultation with the bat specialist.
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Kildare County Council
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Photo 13A - at chainage 1,925m.
The photo was taken at a location where the hedge line is close to the canal. There is a 0.4m high embankment
at this point. A decision on whether to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to 2.75m will be made on site
following consultation with the bat specialist.
Photo 14 - at chainage 2,058m.
There is a 0.5m high embankment at this point. The tree line is located 5.5m from the canal. The existing
embankment will be set back with some minor earthworks required.
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Kildare County Council
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Photo 14A - at chainage 2,131m.
The photo was taken at the fifth Lamp Post east of Aylmer Bridge. The Lamp Post is located 4.7m from the canal.
There is a 0.13m high embankment. The existing Lamp Post can remain in place as it is outside the proposed 3m
wide trail.
Photo 15 - at chainage 2,211m.
The tree line is located 5.3m from the canal. There is no embankment to the south.
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Kildare County Council
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Photo 15A - at chainage 2,265m.
This photo shows where there is some existing damage at the canal bank edge.
Photo 16 - at chainage 2,381m.
The tree line is located 5.0m from the canal. There is no embankment.
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Kildare County Council
Photo 16A - at chainage 2,422m.
An existing Arthurs Way post.
Photo 17 - at chainage 2,545m.
The tree line is located 5.4m from the canal. There is no embankment.
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Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Kildare County Council
Arthur’s Way – Public Consultation
Photo 18 - at chainage 2,692m.
The tree line is located 5.0m from the canal. There is no embankment. A ditch is located beside the towpath. A
decision on whether to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to 2.75m will be made on site following consultation
with the bat specialist and considering the integrity of the ditch.
(Note that this section of the towpath is part of the Waterways Ireland planning application)
Photo 19 - at chainage 2,840m.
The tree line is located 6.0m from the canal. There is no embankment. A ditch is located beside the towpath. A
decision on whether to maintain the 3m width or to reduce it to 2.75m will be made on site following consultation with
the bat specialist and considering the integrity of the ditch.
(Note that this section of the towpath is part of the Waterways Ireland planning application)
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