Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 - Active Travel Scheme - Cleveragh Drive, Sligo Town - Municipal District of Sligo-Strandhill

 Carraroe and District Regeneration Association 

Submission re Cleveragh Drive  Active Travel Scheme Consultation

Carraroe and District Regeneration Association represents people in the Carraroe and Pearse Road area including housing estates such as Greenfort, Woodstown Lodge, Ferndale, Markievicz Heights, Rathanna, Oaklawn, wishing to access the Cleveragh recreational area by active travel means.

We are concerned the Carraroe to Garda Station Pathfinder Project currently being developed does not appear to have a seamless link with this project to ensure a continuous safe segregated system to Cleveragh Park for residents from Carraroe etc to this facility as well as the regional sports complex. Evidence demonstrates that segregated cycling/ walking systems in other areas facilitates greater usage.

As you will know Carraroe people living in the Aughamore Area can travel via Holywell Road. We welcome the plan to have a controlled junction to allow people safely join the Cleveragh Avenue. Speed is an issue which from the plans has calming measures calming measures to allow people cross safely to the Park . It is unsafe at present for children cycling and walking.

Currently Pearse Road, Carraroe, Cemetery Rd  Cleveragh Avenue are very busy with cars and HGVs on their way to Dunnes Stores, ALDI, Lidl , Retail Park and the increased danger for vulnerable road users once the Eastern Garavogue Bridge is built is a serious concern for the future This is likely to become a route of choice for people travelling to other major services like ATU, Sligo General, Markievicz House etc. and one wonders what provision is being made in the plan for the area for such increase in traffic .

Cleveragh Park:

While we note the date for submission on this is closed its is essential that senior planning management in Sligo Council adopt a more overall integrated approach to such planning. As you can understand submissions on these consultations have a impact on the park and the park development on this aspect. We note no provision is being made in the park for Toilets    or connections to wastewater systems which into the future is a short-term approach and not in long term interest of the area.

Dog Parks: While such spaces are welcome looking at the plan it appears there is  a very large space being dedicated to this facility and while agree with the provision one must question if the spaces need to be so large. 

The upgrade plan for Cleveragh Park, which includes a proposal for 90 extra car-parking spaces will bring extra car traffic to this area. One must question the idea of providing so many car parking spaces in the park when bus service to the area would be more appropriate.

Bus Services:

As you will be aware we have submitted a proposals for  the development of Sligo Town Bus service which  must be considered when planning any development involving traffic including cycling and walking. If the proposal were implemented then such would enhance the overall impact on traffic in Sligo Town  

Summary:

We welcome all efforts to provide safe segregated Walking and Cycling systems in Sligo and recognise the previous lack of long-term planning which currently presents many challenges to providing such facilities on our narrow roads. The provision of a local frequent bus service, with cycle carrying facilities as is available in other countries, for Sligo Town community can enhance and assist the development of Active Travel Systems and needs to considered in development of all means of travel including active travel by the management of Sligo County Council. This integrated approach will ensure most advantage and added value can be taken of existing active travel facilities in our County 

Proposal submitted by Carraroe and District Regeneration Association re Sligo Town Bus Service

Background:

We as a community group interested in promoting an environmentally friendly approach to developing our community have campaigned for five years to have Sligo Town Bus Service provided to Carraroe. However, as we have considered the idea, we have developed our thinking especially in light of the serious debate that has occurred in the past number of years on Climate Change and need to reduce our carbons to meet the targets set for our Country.

County Sligo Population:

County Sligo has a current population of 66,000 (2016) and Sligo Town area which we refer to in this proposal represents approx. 48% of County Sligo population.                                                                                                                                    

Existing Carparks:

There exist public car parks in the following areas on periphery of Sligo Town: Carraroe, Calry, Rathcormack/Druncliff, Ransboro, Rosses Point and Strandhill which can facilitate the provision of a spoke wheel service to each of these areas and could facilitate an availability to more extended population to park their cars and take the bus into Sligo Town Centre.

Student Population Travel Arrangements:

The new Technological University (Sligo AT) has a population in excess of 5000 students many who live around the areas referred in this proposal who can avail of such a service and benefit from the new reduced fares provided by Government should the Sligo Town Bus Service be provided. Each of the areas referred has a National School with sixth class graduates transitioning to the five second level Schools that exist within the Sligo Town Centre. The provision of the proposed service would allow students use such Public Transport to travel to Schools rather than the current position of parents delivering/collecting by car.  

Illustration of our proposal:

As already indicated, we have as a voluntary group developed our thinking to reach the model as outlined and illustrated in the above diagram and suggest the following principles must be incorporated to ensure people leave the car and take public transport.

• Bus should run on each indicated line and all buses be timed to meet in Town Centre so people can change bus and join one to next destination.
• Bus Service must be frequent at minimum every half hour but each fifteen minutes would be more attractive. 
• Bus journeys must be as short as possible within the constraint of reaching the majority of population on the route.
• Bus standard must be similar to existing Bus providing the Sligo Town Service
• Bus with similar standard to existing service but half the size/ capacity would be sufficient and may be more efficient /cost effective. 
• Bus must be pollution free and powered by electric battery systems
• Timetables must be computerised and designed by logistics experts
• The Strandhill service must be timed to meet the arrival and departure of trains at Sligo Train Station to facilitate people using train network to Sligo
• The service needs to be provided from 6 am to 11pm seven days per week to allow people use public transport to and from work, school and other social and business activities.
• Mobile App must have time table messaging systems   or have stops provided with timed information systems similar to existing in Dublin.

Tourism /Community Benefits:

• The concept of a frequent reliable integrated timed service provided as per the model outlined has many benefits form an income generation and marketing Sligo as an attractive location to visit without the necessity of a car.
• Such Bus service should have a bicycle lift attached to facilitate people who wish to have a bicycle available to explore and cycle in location.
• The service with a linked timed hub and spoke approach opens the following facilities to people by public transport thereby removing need for car usage
• All Hotels Restaurants.
• Drumcliffe Church and Yeats Grave at Drumcliffe.
• Established Walking Trails.
• Surf Centre at Strandhill,
• Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery Visitor Centre,
• Strandhill Golf Club, Rugby Club
•  Neolithic Tombs on Cairns Hill,
•  Lough Gill Tour boat,
• Water Glades with its leisure facilities,
• Tobernault Holywell,
• Dooney Rock,
• Developing Specialist Hotel Disability Friendly facility at Cregg House
• Rosses Point Golf Club, Yacht Club.
• Hazelwood House Tourism Centre
• Football facilities including Sligo Rovers Centre, Sligo Sports Complex, GAA Centre of Excellence Cumeen, Markievicz Park Pearse Rd , Local Football Clubs in Area   

Costs:

• We recognise the development will require extra resources including extra buses, staff and running costs etc and will require expertise to cost. 
• However, we would suggest the benefits to our community and the environment is major and will in years ahead, assist the 48% population which this proposal serves, change their approach to travelling by public transport.
• We need to be bold and ambitious in our approach to developing our approach to Climate Change and this proposal can be a leadership/ demonstration site for the future and other areas.
• Research on impact will be a central requirement to ensure it is meeting the targets.

Incentives to Change: 

It is appropriate, when such a service is available, to provide incentives to use the Bus Service.

• Sligo County Council should review its parking charges and increase its short-term parking costs in Town Centre to encourage people to take the bus into Town Centre.
• Long term parking should remain so visitors and non-residents in areas listed can park in Sligo Town Centre at reasonable costs.
• Further parking spaces should not be provided as it only encourages people to drive to Town instead of taking a bus.
• A system of redeeming bus tickets in shops etc may be an option with Council via Department funding reimbursing the business may be worthy of examination. 

   Summary:

• We are confident this approach to service provision will benefit and be of major assistance to people of this area. It will reduce the need to travel by car to Sligo City for a large number of residents and will allow our population avail of an efficient service.
• It will allow our elderly remain independent in terms of accessing other services like GPs, Hospitals, Day Services, Social   activities into old age with obvious benefits in terms of wellbeing and dependency on residential care
• The concepts as outlined support the need from an economic, social, community and carbon footprint perspective.
• The existence of a public carparks available to serve the proposal we believe provides serious economic advantage to the proposal in terms of providing for a wider area around County Sligo.

We trust our observations will be given serious integrated consideration

Kind Regards

Submission on the Cleveragh Drive Active Travel Scheme

To: Active Travel Section, Sligo County Council

Subject: Submission on Proposed Cleveragh Drive Active Travel Scheme

Date: 7/8/2025

Introduction

I welcome the overall aim of the Cleveragh Drive Active Travel Scheme to improve walking and cycling facilities in Sligo and support Sligo County Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainable transport. The proposal includes many positive elements such as segregated infrastructure and an attractive route. However, I would like to make several constructive suggestions to enhance the safety, usability, and long-term success of the scheme.

Specific Recommendations

Cycle Track Width

The proposed cycle path appears to be approximately 1.5 m wide in places, which is below recommended standards for a two-way track.

Recommendation: Increase the width to a minimum of 2 m to allow for safe passing, particularly at bends or pinch points.

Bus Stop Integration

The current design suggests the cycle track diverts behind bus stops without adequate buffer space.

Recommendation: Provide physical separation (buffer zone) between the bus stop waiting area and the cycle track to protect both cyclists and passengers.

Merge Areas and Line Markings

The use of “Cycle Track Ends” signage and merge arrows is unclear and potentially unsafe. Recommendation: Replace these with clear transition markings that are intuitive and consistent with National Cycle Manual guidance for merging zones.

Continuous Footpaths at Side Entrances

Side road crossings currently use yellow box markings or yield symbols that weaken pedestrian and cyclist priority.

Recommendation: Implement continuous footpath and cycle track treatments across minor entrances and driveways to reinforce pedestrian and cyclist priority, as per DMURS best practices.

Appropriate Crossing Types

The proposed signalised crossings may be excessive for minor road entries.

Recommendation: Consider zebra or parallel pedestrian/cyclist crossings where traffic volumes and speeds allow, especially near the sports centre entrance.

Correct Cycling Flow Direction

Some sections appear to be laid out as if cycling were on the right, which conflicts with standard Irish practice.

Recommendation: Realign cycle flow so that it remains consistent with left-side travel conventions throughout.

Removal of Footpath Logos

Proposed painted logos on footpaths may clutter the visual environment and confuse users. Recommendation: Remove these logos in favour of standard wayfinding signage.

Roadway Width Reduction

The current cross-section allocates excessive width to the vehicular roadway (up to 3.25 m lanes).

Recommendation: Narrow lanes slightly (e.g., to 3.0 m) to reduce traffic speeds and reallocate space for cycle buffers or wider tracks.

Simplify Crossing Geometry

Some crossings (e.g., near Tonaphubble Road) are overly squared-off, creating longer and less natural routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Recommendation: Simplify crossing alignments to provide more direct, comfortable routes with good sightlines.

Line Markings on Cycle Track

Solid white lines along the cycle track may cause confusion for two-way travel and hinder natural positioning by riders.

Recommendation: Use dashed lines where necessary or remove central markings altogether on narrower paths.

Conclusion

This project has strong potential to improve active travel in Sligo. By making the above adjustments, Sligo County Council can deliver a scheme that is safer, more inclusive, and future-proofed to accommodate increasing levels of walking and cycling.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.

Yours sincerely,

Marie Casserly.

Please see attached

I, Maura Gilroy have resided in Cleaveragh Drive, Sligo since 1967.

My main concerns regarding the Cleaveragh Active Travel Plans are to do with speed of vehicles and the proposed cycle paths and destruction of established hedge rows and mature trees required to accommodate these cycle double paths

I am in favour of designated single cycle lanes but not double or treble widths. 

My daughter Maureen,  has been a resident of Leeds city centre for more than two decades. Over the past six years she tells me that Leeds Council has pursued a determined policy of installing kerbed double cycle lanes all over the city. As a resident of Leeds city centre she has been in position to observe how utilised these cycle lanes are. 

Leeds Council also provide free e-bikes.

In all that time she has rarely seen cyclists use the designated cycle lanes which take up almost half of the road. On the contrary,  cyclists continue to use either the pedestrian footpaths or the main roads, leaving the cycle paths gloriously empty most of the time. She has never ever seen two cyclists travelling in opposite directions use the paths at the same time.

She asked her husband to take some photographs this week of the cycle paths near where they live. I am attaching some of these photographs and in one, you will see a cyclist typically cycling parallel to the empty double cycle lane. This is the norm. 

The main demographic of the few cyclists there are, consists of men between the ages of 18 and 44. 

These cycle paths have been laid for a considerable time, and yet you still don't see women, young teenagers, children or older men cycling around Leeds.

Effectively only a small proportion percentage of the general population are being catered for to the inconvenience of the majority of the population. 

The "Back Avenue" to the Cleaveragh Desmesne has been tree lined for many decades. From observation, it is enjoyed daily by hundreds of pedestrians as a healthy nature walk, but by relatively few cyclists even though there is an existing painted cycle lane.

Looking at the maps attached the proposals it appears that a wide swathe of road is to be given over to provide a double cycle lane.

In some areas of the map there are three parallel cycle lanes depicted - a double on one side of the and single on the other. 

The mature trees now lining the road are not depicted on the site map of the proposed alterations. Consequently, it is impossible to figure out how many will need to be felled in order to provide a potentially poorly used cycle path. 

The felling of mature trees would be wanton destruction and would greatly diminish the amenity used by so many of the residents of Sligo town. In addition it would be environmentally detrimental for what I perceive as little gain in return in accordance with my daughter's personal experience in Leeds. I believe that were it to become known to Sligo town residents that there was a proposal to fell the trees on the road to from Tonaphubble to the Sports Complex in order to provide a double cycle lane, there would be a public outcry. 

Yours sincerely

Maura Gilroy 

I am delighted to see this proposal from Sligo County Council. It is of a high standard and should encourage lots of use. 

I would ask that following on from this, active travel linkages are considered across town to access this useful bit of infrastructure. It will become busy with cyclists of all ages and abilities with the development of Cleveragh Park, and residents from across the other side of town should have safe and useful active travel linkages to get there. 

I do have some suggestions:

-can the cycle path be made wider in compliance with the NCM

-Can the road be narrowed to naturally slow down cars. There will be foot and cycle traffic between the complex and the park which should be made as safe as possible

On behalf of the residents of Tonaphubble and Cleveragh Drive, we wish to express our sincere thanks for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Active Travel Scheme. We appreciate Sligo County Council’s intention to improve walking and cycling infrastructure and acknowledge the broader goals of increased connectivity, accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability.

However, following a community meeting held on 31 July 2025 at the Sligo Park Hotel, a number of serious concerns and questions were raised, which we respectfully submit for consideration.

Please find attached PDF submission on behalf of the Irish Cycling Campaign

Please see attached submission