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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
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NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
AREAS COMPETITION
Stage 2 Bid
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
LOCAL AUTHORITY AND PROJECT HEAD
Local Authority
Westport Town Council (Lead)
Mayo County Council
Websites
www.westportsmartertravel.ie
www.westporttc.ie
www.mayococo.ie
Project Leader
Mr Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager
Contact Officers
Ms Ann Moore
Mr Padraig Philbin
Position
Project Manager
(Town Clerk)
Project Co-ordinator
(Senior Executive Engineer)
Address
Westport Town Council
Civic Centre,
Altamont Street,
Westport
Mayo County Council,
Civic Centre,
Altamont St,
Westport
Telephone
Mobile
098 50400
087 2888725
098 50400
0877999985
E Mail
amoore@mayococo.ie
pphilbin@mayococo.ie
Fax
098 50431
098 50431
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – EMBRACING SMARTER TRAVEL
1.0 Westport – A Smarter Travel Design Philosophy
1.01 Town Profile
1.02 Evolution and History of Smarter Travel Philosophy for Westport
1.1 Profile of Westport
1.1.1 Planning & Land Use
1.1.2 Planning Philosophy, Vision and Strategy
1.2 Transport Infrastructure
1.2.1 Road Infrastructure
1.2.2 Car Parking
1.2.3 Speeding
1.2.4 Public Transport Infrastructure
1.3 Community Spirit
1.4 Travel Habits
1.4.1 Overview
1.4.2 Travel to Work
1.4.3 Travel to School
1.4.4 Travel Attitudes
1.5 Winning Hearts and Minds
1.5.1 WWW
1.5.2 Cycle Training
1.5.3 Cycle Champions
1.5.4 Promotional Initiatives
1.5.5 Communication and Information
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
SECTION 2 – EMBRACING SMARTER TRAVEL
2.0 Partners and Management
2.1 Management
2.1.1 Steering Group
2.1.2 Working Groups
2.1.3 Team Smarter Travel
SECTION 3 – SMARTER TRAVRL SCHEME
3.0 Vision
3.1 High Level Objectives
3.2 Car Journeys in The Smarter Travel Area
3.2.2 Trips to Work/education
3.2.3 All Trip Types
3.3 Targets
3.3.1 Overall trips
3.3.2 National School Trips
3.3.3 Secondary School Trips
3.3.4 Work Trips
3.3.5 Leisure Trips
3.3.6 Justification of Targets
3.4 Overview of Smarter Travel Scheme
3.5 Scheme Measures
3.5.1 Soft Measures
3.5.2 Hard Measures
3.6 Westport Smarter Travel Centre
3.7 Scheme Drawings
3.8 Scheme Benefits
3.9 Community Engagement
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
SECTION 1
EMBRACING SMARTER TRAVEL
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.0 WESTPORT - A SMARTER TRAVEL DESIGN PHILOSOPHY.
1.01 Town Profile
Westport is the third largest urban centre in Mayo, with a permanent population of 5,150
persons. The town is a rapidly expanding commercial, industrial and service centre, and
serves a wider hinterland of approximately 20,000 persons along the western seaboard of
County Mayo - extending from Achill to Louisburgh and over the Killary to Leenaun in
rural County Galway. In a tourism context, Westport is a significant and nationally
prominent tourist hub, and is classified as a Regional Centre and Heritage Town
attracting approximately 950,000 visitors annually1.
Westport is one of a handful of planned towns in the West of Ireland, geometrically
composed and laid out on a green field site under the patronage of the Marquis of Sligo -
whose descendants still reside locally in the historic Westport House. The foresight of
those who planned Westport 200 years ago has bestowed a rich legacy on the town, and
has placed Westport – with its aesthetically pleasing urban core, high visual and amenity
value, many fine streets, urban spaces and buildings of architectural quality – in a most
enviable position amongst towns of similar size and reckoning.
Mall Boulevard
Westport and it’s associated hinterland are nestled in the shadow of Croagh Patrick’s
sacred peak, and on the shores of the drowned glaciated landscape of Clew Bay, where a
multitude of gently rolling drumlins dot the gateway to the might of the open Atlantic.
The town itself is located on the Carrowbeg River – which enters Clew Bay at Westport
Harbour - and is surrounded by dense rolling woodlands which provide an important
visual backdrop and wonderful natural amenity for the town.
Westport Town centre and its inner residential areas primarily occupy the eastern area of
the Westport hinterland, with the sprawling Westport House estate, the Demesne and the
1 Source: Failte Ireland : Tourism Facts 2008
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Quay occupying the western portion of the local area. All areas are within a two
kilometre radius of the town’s main street.
Demographically speaking, approximately 60 per cent of the local population live on the
west and south west fringes of the town. The other forty per cent reside to north and east
of the town centre. Commercial centres are confined to the town core, with all shopping
and other retail businesses being located off one of Westport’s central streets or
interlinking pedestrianised walkways. Industrial land use in Westport industrial is
strategically located away from the town centre, with all industrial parks located on
approaches to town, on the Newport, Castlebar and Ballinrobe roads (north and east of
the town’s urban core). Facilities and services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, doctors,
schools and employment sites are all reasonably well spread out and the principal
employers in Westport include Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Botox, Portwest, Field
Boxmore, Westport House, The Castlecourt Hotel & Plaza Resort, Mayo County Council
and Westport Town Council. Maps of Westport’s Schools and principal areas of
employment are shown in Appendix 1A and 1B respectively.
Important settlement locations and population centres are located within eight kilometres
of the town centre, including Murrisk, Kilmeena, Aughagower and Sheeaun. Westport is
also a principal shopping and employment town for areas outside this eight kilometre
radius, including Newport, Achill, Louisburgh and the Islands. Historically, there is great
interaction between Westport and Castlebar – Mayo’s county town and administrative
centre - located 16 kilometres away.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.02 The evolution and history of a Smarter Travel philosophy in Westport
Westport has actively developed a Smarter Travel philosophy over the past decade
unique to the town.
Westport 2000 Study (published 1999)
An Early Smarter Travel Policy Document
In the mid nineties Westport commissioned an image led integrated action plan of the
town. In essence, a vision document for the future development of the Town for the new
Millennium. This document Westport 2000 covered everything from the creation of new
streets down to small detail such as street signage. Its philosophy was the embodiment of
Smarter Travel through the rejuvenation of the Public Realm.
The above illustration indicates all of the then existing buildings in white, and future
proposed development to the backlands in colour. Much of this backland development
on brown field sites have been realised over the ‘Celtic Tiger’ period. What is important
about these developments is that the New Streets and Courtyards have been designed for
pedestrian use only (and not the car) thus creating, a pedestrian friendly tapestry of lanes
and urban sub-spaces permeating through the urban core.
Discriminating against cars in urban design has made a very positive pedestrian friendly
contribution towards Westport’s public realm.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Market Lane one of Westport’s new pedestrian only streets has been developed on a
brownfield site, incorporating:
• Commercial Ground floors, selling portable goods.
• Extensive residential ‘above the shop’ creating passive surveillance.
• Under grounding of overhead networks
• Plant of soft landscaping & semi mature urban trees.
However the most significant single contribution to the quality of this street (public
realm) is the absence of the motorcar. Therefore on this street people feel safe, to
socialize and relax, this continues into the evening time as people and communities
live above the shops in suitably sizes residential units, looking over and passively
surveying the streetscape.
This is the essence of what has made viable urban communities in Westport’s Town
Core.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Over the ‘Celtic Tiger’ period Westport has developed many new pedestrian routes and
courtyards, highlighted on the above aerial photograph.
• The solid red arrows indicate new pedestrian streets and route ways.
• The dotted red arrows indicate new pedestrian streets and route ways, granted but
not yet constructed.
• The blue circles indicate, new pedestrian courtyards and squares, which link the
tapestry of pedestrian route ways through out the urban core.
New pedestrian route along river side.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Bridge Street Trial Pedestrianisation
This is Westport’s main shopping street in 2005, a street under performing commercially
and socially as it was completely dominated by the car. After a long consultation process
it was decided to carry out a trial Pedestrianisation over the June bank holiday weekend.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The removal of the car was outstanding success in terms of increasing the quality of the
Public Realm, along with the insertion of temporary semi mature trees the experiment
made for a very positive experience for the pedestrian.
Café culture and people spill onto the street.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
As Bridge Street is a National Primary Route with no suitable alternative, it was not
viable to close it down fully and permanently to traffic at that time, however it became
apparent that a lot of the elements of the experimental pedestrianisation could be utilised
to form new plan for the street to enable the harmonious co existence of the pedestrian,
cyclist and car in the public realm.
This design plan would become a template which could be replicated to other existing
streets.
These design elements were:
• The elimination of a substantial number of parking spaces, and their replacement
with semi mature trees.
• The creation of level wide pedestrian crossings
• The provision of Bicycle parking.
• The provision of traffic calming.
• The provision of street seating/furniture.
New Crossing – Traffic Calming, Street furniture.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Replacing Car Spaces with Tree Spaces.
And Bicycle Parking on Bridge Street.
This design approach has also been replicated on Shop Street, the Clock and Octagon.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Raised pedestrian priority crossings, installed at the Octagon / Shop Street junction, have
successfully given ownership and priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the town’s main
civic space.
We have discovered that every square metre of public realm we take back from the car is
well used by pedestrian’s, even traffic islands, if they are designed correctly. This
photograph illustrates a visiting troupe of English Morris dancers, happily dancing on an
expansive (and judiciously designed) traffic island at Westport’s main civic space The
Octagon. The transformation of the Octagon from a car dominated expanse of tarmac up
to the 1990’s to what it has become today is also illustrated in the following two
photographs.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The Octagon, Westport’s main civic space, as it was up to the 1990’s - a pedestrian
unfriendly tarmac covered car park.
The redesign of this space consciously incorporated the following criteria:
• Traffic calming, utilizing quality materials to hard landscape design
• Creation of pedestrian zones, by reduction of carriageways to single lanes.
• Greening of the public realm by the planting of semi mature trees and installation
of soft landscaping.
• Substantial reduction of car parking.
• Installation of bicycle parks and coordinated street furniture.
• The licensing of outdoor seating for cafes and pubs
• The control of private signage and conservation of historic buildings.
• Undergrounding of overhead networks and installation of decorative lighting.
The Octagon today - a community friendly public realm.
It is our intention to design the Public Realm of all of the historic streets to this standard
and thereby create an innovative pedestrian and cycle friendly urban core.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The above improvement works on the Public Realm have demonstrated our Smarter
Travel design philosophy for Westport’s historic streetscape. The design philosophy for
Westport’s wider hinterland including Westport Quay (the towns second urban core),
residential suburbs and employment zones is based on converting a series of abandoned
railway lines and informal desire lines into walking and cycling Greenways.
These proposed Greenways surround and permeate the town and offer a walking and
cycling facility which will connect all of Westport’s residential, school and major
employment zones. The Greenways will be complimented with premium cycle tracks and
lanes on the existing public roads to provide an overall world class eco transport
transportation network for the town. This network will provide direct connectivity and
safer independent travel for cyclists and pedestrians between and throughout all of the
towns districts.
This philosophy will ensure that premium walking and cycling infrastructure is available
to almost 100% of residential areas in Westport.
Works have recently been completed to a new Westport Greenway on the 2.5 km stretch
linking the Altamount Street and the Quay. This multi purpose cycling and walking route
links Westport’s two main population centres, adjacent residential areas and schools and
has a catchment of 60% of Westport’s urban population. (Appendices 1A and 1B).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Westport’s new 2.5km long Greenway and residential connections
The Greenway opened in January 2010 and is already proving to be a phenomenal
success with all user types. Preliminary observations show that the Greenway is very
popular for leisure trips and school travel.
Users on the Westport Greenway
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Recent 12 hour surveys (Mid Week) of user levels on the Greenway show average daily
flows of 407, of which pedestrians account for 80% and cyclists 20 %.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2009 2010
PEDESTRIANS
CYCLISTS
OTHERS
GRAPH OF AVERAGE DAILY FLOWS ON WESTPORT GREENWAY
(PRE AND POST WORKS)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.1 LAND USE PLANNING
1.1.1 Planning and Land Use
Westport is a compact town with a consolidated town core and has many cutting edge
architectural and sustainable developments of high quality. The existing built form of
Westport comprises the planned town core, located at the eastern end of the Westport
House and Demesne, and the traditional harbour area at Westport Quay located at the
western end of the Demesne.
The vision which has guided the development and re-generation of Westport over the
past twenty years is the creation of a compact high quality town unit with new
development linking the traditional town core and the harbour area. The intention is that
the new residential development, centred on the Cloonmonad area, will form a high
quality residential neighbourhood with pedestrian and cycle ways. This new
neighbourhood will link the existing Quay and town core areas inside the curve of the
abandoned railway line which has recently been redeveloped as an urban greenway.
Quay
Town Centre
LOCATION OF CLOONMONAD
WESTPORT
CLOONMONAD
There are a number of high density developments of architectural merit, located close to
the town core. Modern high density developments include Westpoint, Cedar Park, Cois
Abhainn and Tubberhill.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Tubberhill Development
Cois Abhainn, Ballinrobe Rd
1.2.2 Planning Philosophy, Vision and Strategies
A suite of Guidance documents have informed the development control policies and
guided the investment which has taken place in Westport over the period 1990 to the
present:
Westport Heritage Town Plan 1990
Westport Plan 2000 -
An Integrated Action Plan for Westport (1996)
Westport Transportation Study (TPI) 2002
Westport Town and Environs Development Plan 2003-2008
Westport Town and Environs Development Plan 2008-2013
Taken collectively, they encapsulate a comprehensive philosophy which informs the
creation of a compact, user-friendly pedestrian permeable and cycle way linked
sustainable town. The new Westport preserves and maintains the character of the
existing heritage elements and supplements them with high quality modern architecture.
The primary strategies used by the Council to achieve the overall vision for Westport
include:
- Protection of the town’s historic core through protection of structures, listed
buildings and architectural conservation areas
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
- Promotion the consolidation of Westport town core by encouraging brown site
developments, sensitive infill developments and high density / mixed
developments
- Westport House Master Plan
- Land use and transportation planning
Built Heritage Land Use Zoning
Westport Town & Environs Development Plan 2009
Traditional Shopfront
Architectural conservation Area
This striving for quality and sustainability is the hallmark of all of the activities in
Westport and is the key to understanding our approach to both physical and community
development. The same philosophy will make Westport the best possible Smarter Travel
Town.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.2 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
1.2.1 Road Infrastructure
Westport is an important hub for traffic movements through the south west of Mayo and
has five roads which radiate out from the town. Westport is the terminus of the National
Primary N5 (Dublin and Castlebar road) which is routed through Westport’s main streets
and which links to the N59 and R335 on the west side of the town. The N5 and the R335
coastal route are the busiest roads in the area and consequently arising from this east/west
flow there is constant traffic pressure within the town core especially during the summer
when traffic volumes are one and a half times average flows. A new orbital road is
proposed which will form a ring around the town and draw through traffic associated
with these busy roads away from the town centre.
1.2.2 Car Parking
There are four Pay public carparks in the town centre and two private carparks at
Supervalu and Tesco with total parking for 1016 cars. On Street parking is currently free
but is subject to a one hour maximum stay restriction between 9am and 7pm, Monday to
Friday. Surveys have revealed that the on street parking is over-capacity and off-street
under-utilised resulting in cars circulating the town in search of free parking and thereby
contributing to traffic and congestion. This is a problem which needs to be addressed.
1.2.3 Speeding
Excessive traffic speed is a problem in Westport particularly on approach roads and close
to the main town cores. The problem is most acute on the N5 and R319 approach roads
and on the Quay road linking the town centre and the harbour. Free Speed Surveys
carried out on approach roads to the town and within the town cores confirm that on
average 48% of vehicles are speeding above the speed limit and 14% of these are
speeding excessively. Raised pedestrian areas on some of the town’s principal streets act
as a speed deterrent to speed in the town area and recently introduced ramps on Quay
Road appear to be proving effective.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.2.4 Public Transport Infrastructure
Rail
Westport is the terminus of the Westport/Dublin railway service which caters for
passenger and freight traffic. The service is reliable and offers excellent connectivity with
other locations on the rail line including Castlebar and Dublin but limited connectivity to
most other locations. There are currently eight daily train services on the
Westport/Dublin line (Appendix 1C), including a recently launched Early Bird service
from Westport. This new service is greatly facilitating general, business and tourist travel
needs. The provision of new and ultra-modern rolling stock on the line in recent months
has also led to an increased level of usage of the train service by the people of Westport
and its surrounding hinterland.
The railway station is located 1km from the town centre on a busy regional road. While
there is a footpath connection to the town, it has a number of discontinuities.
Bus
Westport is also an important node and terminus for Bus Eireann services throughout
Ireland. There are three expressway routes and six rural commuter routes (Appendix 1D)
which pass through Westport. The bus routes have poor frequency levels, but collectively
offer a reliable bus service to Castlebar, the nearest neighbouring town.
The Bus Stop is located at Mill Street close to the entrance to the Mill Street Carpark,
where covered seating and printed timetable information are available. The Bus Stop
does not cater for School buses which park close to individual school properties. Surveys
% of cars exceeding the speed limit
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
<50 50-60 60-70 70-120
Altamont St
(50kph Zone)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
indicate that School bus drop offs and collection are a major cause of congestion
particularly at schools on Castlebar St and Newport Road. This is a problem that needs to
be addressed.
Rural Transport
A Rural Transport Scheme operates in Westport Town, with services from three rural
areas (Kilmena, Fahy and Glenhest/Newport). The service is primarily used by older
people and where possible will deliver people to their doorstep. The service is limited,
running once a week (Friday) between 10am and 4pm.
Park n stride facilities
There are a number of informal Park n Stride locations located throughout the town. Two
new Park n Stride facilities have been constructed with easy access to the Westport
Greenway at High Street Car Park and West Road.
Bicycle Parking
There are a small number of bicycle stands located at the town centre, train station and at
municipal buildings, although there are plans to substantially increase the number and
types of bicycle parking in 2010 at Westport Quay, town centre, carparks and at other
strategic locations in the town. There is ample bicycle parking facilities at nearby tourist
locations such as Croagh Patrick and the National Famine Monument.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Footpaths and Walkways
There has been sustained investment in footpaths in Westport Town over the last twenty
years and consequently the footpath infrastructure in the town core is very good.
However there are a number of discontinuities in the network particularly at Altamont
Street, Distillary road, Lodge road and Ballinrobe road. Wide paving of footpaths is
required at Distillary Road, Quay village and Altamont Street.
There are good walking networks in the newer residential areas which have been
achieved through planning conditions. For the majority of residential areas, the Westport
Greenway acts as a spine linking these areas with schools, shops, businesses and the main
retail areas. However, residential areas on the northern side of Westport have inadequate
footpath links with the town centre and in particular schools and employment centres.
There are also a number of residential estates on this side of town that would greatly
benefit by the creation of short cuts and inter estate linkages.
There is also an extensive network of walkways bordering the Carrowbeg River and there
is potential to extend these walks through Westport Demesne and the Coillte owned
Coronels Wood and connect to the Westport Greenway.
New residential riverside Greenway at Ashwood, Ballinrobe Road.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Walking & Cycling Trails
There is an extensive network of walking and cycling trails in the Westport area
including seven loop walks, three long distance walks, a Sli na Slainte route and 26km of
on road cycling routes.
Westport – Croagh Patrick Cycleway
Westport Cycle Hub – 26km on road cycle route
Westport Greenway – 3km off road cycle route
Linear Cycle route (Killary / Westport) - 56km on road cycle route
Great Western Greenway (Newport and Mulranny) - 17.5km off-road cycleway
Traffic Management
Westport has carried out an extensive range of traffic management measures as
recommended in the Westport Transportation Study (TPI 2002) since 2002 including
implementing the current one way traffic system on Westport’s main streets, increasing
the capacity of junctions, wide paying and “Greening” of main streets and providing
raised pedestrian areas. Two Traffic Wardens enforce the towns parking Bye Laws and
the town employs a School Warden for safe crossing at Scoil Padraig. Traffic Calming
has been introduced to the Quay Road and improvements made to tourist and directional
signage.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.3 COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Above all initiatives and successes in recent years, Westport has most enjoyed the
benefits and perhaps reaped the most rewards from local endeavour in the area of
environmental achievement. The unprecedented success enjoyed by Westport in national
and international competitions such as Tidy Towns, Entente Florale, Communities in
Bloom and Pride of Place stem directly from an unwavering spirit of collaboration that
exists within the local community. A progressive-minded Town Council, led by an
inspired management team, and complimented by a hugely willing body of voluntary
local organisations, have been the hallmark of Westport’s efforts and successes over the
last decade. In partnership with all voluntary and business groups in the community, the
Council has lead the way in securing a number of major environmental and green awards
for Westport. (Awards listed in attached Appendix 1E). The town has won the National
Tidy Towns competition three times over the past eight years, a success unprecedented in
the modern history of the competition.
This partnership has been galvanised by the town’s success in The National Pride of
Place competition where the town’s ninety seven voluntary bodies gained national
success. Westport also achieved Gold Medal status twice in the recent past in the coveted
international environmental Entente Florale competition, and has attained the highest
level of five gold blooms, winning the international section of the Canadian Communities
in Bloom competition.
This same ambition for success and level of collaboration is currently being successfully
harnessed to make Westport the Best Possible Smarter Travel Town
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.4 TRAVEL HABITS
1.4.1 Overview
A detailed analysis of travel trends in the Westport areas was outlined in the Stage 1 bid.
The trends were primarily determined from Census data (Appendix 1F). The pertinent
travel trends from that analysis are:
o Three out of four people are commuting to work and school.
o The majority of all commuters (68%) are travelling less than 5km
o There has been significant growth in longer distance single occupant car
commuting and a decline in car sharing. This is particularly so between Castlebar
and Westport.
o Cycling levels to workplaces is very low.
On the positive side Westport town has high levels (26%) of walking to school and work
which is significantly higher than the national average of 11%.
Almost 58% travel to school or work by car, 26% walk, 1% cycle and over 6% use public
transport.
1.4.2 Travel to Work
There are 4,8502 people working in Westport and over 40% of this working population
comes from the town and immediate rural area, over 25% from the wider hinterland and a
sizeable proportion (14.5%) from Castlebar. (Appendix 1G)
The hinterland villages generating the greatest travel movements to Westport are:
o Kilmeena/Newport Area
o Knappagh/Aghagower/ Drummin Area
o Louisburgh/Murrisk area
Westport is also a significant contributor to Castlebar’s working population of 84613.
There are approximately 500 workers per day commuting to Castlebar from the Westport
area and 80% of them travel there by car.
2 Travel to Work and Labour Catchments in the West Region
Western Development Commission 2009
3 Census 2006 Profile of Large Working Town - Castlebar
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.4.3 Travel to School
There are twelve schools located in Westport Town and environs, seven of which are
located in the town and five within 8km of the town centre. These schools cater for over
2400 students (Appendix 1H). All schools in Westport Town are in the Greenschool’s
programme and are in the process of securing their fourth Green flag (Sustainable
Travel). All schools are also participating in the Active Schools Flag programme.
Since the Stage 1 bid, there has been a dramatic change in the numbers of students
walking and cycling to school. This change has mainly been brought about through the
opening of the Westport Greenway and the Smarter Travel Westport walks Wednesdays
(WWW) campaign in which over 80% of students are participating.
Scoil Phadraig Cyclists
1.4.4 Travel Attitudes
An Attitude Survey (Appendix 1I) carried out by Westport Town Council indicates
similar dominance on motorised modes for a variety of travel trips, including shopping,
social and leisure needs. The majority of respondents indicated the need for better
information, speed reduction and walking/cycling infrastructure in achieving a switch to
sustainable modes.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.5 WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS
Since the creation of the new Westport Greenway there has been a significant public
support and endorsement of Westport’s Smarter Travel bid. A campaign to change travel
behaviour by winning the hearts and minds of the public is under way. This involves a
series of initiatives being driven by a close and committed team comprising of:
• Westport Town Council and Mayo Co. Co. Staff.
• Westport School Principals.
• Green Schools Co-ordinator
• An Gardai Siochana.
• Westport Chamber of Commerce.
• Westport Tidy Towns.
• Mayo Co. Co. Road Safety officer.
• HSE.
The following initiatives have proven to be very successful in capturing the public
support.
1.5.1 Westport Walks Wednesday WWW
Westport Walks Wednesday (WWW) was initiated in October 2009 for Westport’s Green
Schools and currently has participation levels of over 80% from school students. This
means that over 80% of students are using sustainable travel modes to travel to school
every Wednesday. The success of WWW is spilling over into other week days, i.e. there
are higher levels of walking and cycling on other school days than prior to the
commencement of the initiative. WWW is also increasing in popularity with all citizens.
Of particular note cycling has made a come back in most schools especially at national
school level and those schools located close to the Greenway.
A report prepared for the stage two bid by the Green Schools Co-ordinator Eva Gannon
on the Westport Walks Wednesday and other initiatives is included in Appendix 1J.
Scoil Padraig students are Cycling to School today.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
This photograph of a Cycle Train approaching the Quay School demonstrates the
outstanding success of the new Greenway through the winning of hearts and minds.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
1.5.2 Cycle Training
Cycle training is jointly organised by An Garda Siochana, Mayo Co. Co. Road Safety
Officer Noel Gibbons, Bus Eireann and Green Schools. The photographs below at the
Quay national School illustrates cycle training in an off road environment
Off road cycle training
On road cycling instruction, training and examinations was initiated in Westport in May
2009. This involved young cyclists cycling along side specialist Garda cyclists.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The following pictures illustrate on road cycle training initiative in Westport organized in
May 2009.
Cycling Instruction on Shop Street
This group of young cyclists are being guided by volunteers and instructed on road safety
with the assistance of An Garda Siochana.
1.5.3 Cycle Champions
Cycle champions are instrumental to any cycling strategy. They champion the promotion
of cycling, raise its profile and nurture potential cyclists. Through the winning of hearts
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
and minds campaign a number of champions have emerged, these include a variety of
cyclists including parents, club cyclists, school pupils and active retirement members. In
particular a number of teachers are leading by example and cycling to school.
1.5.4 Promotional Initiatives
Saint Patricks Day Smarter Travel themed Parade:
The theme of the 2010 Westport Saint Patricks was Smarter Travel. The 2010 parade
was one of the largest ever in Westport, with 20% more participants than 2009 from all
sections of the community.
The parade was led by the 2010 Grand Marshall and international cycling champion Mr.
Sean Kelly.
Sean Kelly, Grand Marshall, with local politicians.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Holy Trinity School Smarter Travel students.
St. Patrick’s Smarter Travellers
Allergen Pharmaceuticals Float
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Launch of Smarter Travel Stage 2 Bid
Sean Kelly with Political and Community leaders
with Team Smarter Travel launching Stage 2 Bid.
My bike is faster than yours!
Official opening of the Westport Greenway
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The Westport Greenway was officially opened by the Minister for Transport Mr. Noel
Dempsey TD on the 16th of April 2010. This event coincided with the official opening of
the Great Western Greenway between Newport and Mulranny on the same day. The
Great Western Greenway at 18km is the longest off road walking and cycling network in
the country, and is the first portion of the National Cycle Network to be constructed.
Westports Stage two Smarter Travel bid proposes to connect both greenways thereby
linking Westport Quay to Achill Island and creating 42 km of world class cycling and
walking Greenway.
Minister Dempsey leads the way in Westport.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Smarter Movers follow The Minister
Ministerial Hi 5!
1.5.5 Communication and Information
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Effective communication and marketing are key elements being used to win hearts and
minds. The following methods have been used to raise awareness of Smarter Travel and
allow two way communications.
Communication:
• Westport Smarter Travel website www.westportsmartertravel.ie became live in
early April 2010 and there are network sites on Face Book, run by Westport
students and Westport Chamber of Commerce. The Face book sites have
combined supporters of over 600 persons and growing.
• The Mayo News has a dedicated half page on Smarter Travel each week.
• Meetings of Steering Group, Business and Schools Networks and other
stakeholders (Appendix 1K)
• A survey questionnaire on personal travel habits has been undertaken in targeted
residential areas and in all schools
• Super-Valu Westport has embraced Smarter Travel Bill through billboard
advertising.
Local Business supporting Smarter Travel
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Smarter Travel Website
www.smartertravel.ie
Westport Chamber and Westport Youth face book pages.
Information:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
• 2 variable message boards display units advertising Smarter Travel Initiatives and
events have been in use throughout Westport Since January
• Maps and Brochures have been recently produced for the Westport Sli na Slainte,
Westport Cycle Hub, and the National Costal walk to inform locals and visitors of
the extent of the network.
• Information Display Boards on the Smarter Travel Area and initiatives have been
erected at Public locations including municipal buildings, library and leisure
Centre.
• A Travel Information shop has been set opened on James Street
Westport Smarter Travel Information Centre
Variable Message Display on approach to Westport
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Promotion of Cycle Training 6th May 2010
Smarter Travel Information Display at Westport Civic Centre
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDICES – SECTION 1
1A Location of Westport Schools and Quay Greenway
1B Locations of Principal Employments and Quay Greenway
1C Irish Rail Train Services (Westport)
1D Bus Eireann Services (Westport)
1E Selection of Environmental Awards won since 2000
1F Distance and means of travel to Work, School or College
1G Westport’s Working Population (Location of origin)
1H Schools in the Westport Area
1I Travel Questionnaire
1J Report of Greenschools Coordinator, Eva Gannon, on WWW
1K Calendar of Events
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 1A & 1B
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 1 C
Irish Rail Train Services (Weekdays)
Westport / Dublin Service
Service
Departure Time
Arrival Time
05.15 08.50
07.15 10.45
13.15 16.50
Westport / Hueston Dublin
17.45 21.20
Service
Departure Time
Arrival Time
07.30 11.00
12.30 16.00
15.30 19.00
Hueston Dublin / Westport
18.30 21.55
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 1D
Bus Eireann Services (Weekdays)
Westport
Expressway Services
Route No
Frequency / day (excl
return)
Location / Service
21 3 Dublin / Westport
52 2 Galway/Ballina via
Westport
66 2 Belfast/Westport
Rural Commuter Services
Route No
Frequency / day (excl
return)
Location / Service
422 2 Galway/Westport
440 3 Achill / Knock Airport via
Westport
442 1 Swinford/Westport
450 1 Louisburgh/Westport
454 1 Ballina/Westport
456 2 Galway/Ballina via
Westport
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 1E
WESTPORT
SELECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS WON SINCE 2000
2001 - Tidy Towns – Overall National Winner 2003 - Ireland’s Best Kept Town (All Island Competition) - Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town (Tidy Towns Competition) 2004 - Entente Florale Gold Medal - Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town (Tidy Towns Competition) 2005 - Ireland’s Best Kept Town (All Island Competition) 2006 - Tidy Towns – Overall National Winner 2007 - Pride of Place Award Winner
- Communities in Bloom International Winner (5 Blooms) 2008 - Tidy Towns – Overall National Winner - Green Hospitality Award – Winner Green Destination 2009 - Communities in Bloom International Winner (5 Blooms)
- Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town (Tidy Towns Competition)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX – 1F
Distance travelled to Work / School/ College
0-4km 5-9km 10-14km 15-49km >50km
Westport Urban 68% 7.5% 5% 16% 3.5%
Source: Census 2006
Means of travel to Work, College School (SAP – Mayo and Westport )
Foot bike bus train m/bike Car
driver
Car
passenger
Other total
0-4km
Westport
Urban
26% 1% 6% 0.4% 0.3% 39% 18.5% 8.8% 100%
Westport rural 2.9 1 7.7 0 .5 46 29.5 12.4 100
4-8km
Aughagower 3.5 14.2 42 26.3 14 100
Croagh Patrick 6.5 11.4 .6 45.5 19.5 16.5 100
Islandeady 3.1 .4 16.4 .4 .4 44.6 19.1 15.6 100
Kilmeena 3.8 1.4 11 .2 .4 43.2 25.7 14.3 100
Knappagh 2 .2 13.8 .2 41.8 23.4 18.6 100
> 8km
Newport Area 9.8 .5 22 37.8 11.8 18.1 100
Louisburgh/
Killsallagh
8.3 .5 12.7 .4 .3 42.8 18.2 16.8 100
Drummin
/Bundorracha
11.6 .5 16.5 .5 .5 40.2 14 16.2 100
County
Averages
Mayo Towns 24.2 1.36 7 .18 .25 40.6 17.8 8.61 100
Mayo Rural 6.2 .6 14.3 .2 .2 42 20 16.5 100
Source: Census 2006 – SAP
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 1G
Westport’s Working Population (Location of Origin)
Location of Origin Numbers %
Westport Hinterland 1239 25.5%
Westport Urban 1520 31.4%
Castlebar Area 703 14.5%
Westport Rural 484 10%
Other 904 18.6%
Total 4850 100%
Westport Working Population ( Source: Travel to Work and Labour Catchments in the
West Region, Western Development Commission 2009)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX- 1H
SCHOOLS IN WESTPORT TOWN AND ENVIRONS
School Location Student Numbers
Quay NS Quay, Westport 250
Scoil Phadraig NS Altamont St Westport 302
Sacred Heart Castlebar St, Westport 615
Rice College Knockranny, Westport 463
Carrowbeg College Newport rd, Westport 100
Holy Trinity NS Newport Rd, Westport 64
Scoil na Cruaiche (Gaelscoil) Lodge Rd, Westport 202
Brackloon NS Westport Environs 73
Carrowholly NS Westport Environs 95
Drummin NS Westport Environs 65
Fahy NS Westport Environs 95
Kilmeena NS Westport Environs 95
Total Student Numbers in Westport Town/Environs
2,419
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX- 1I
LOCAL TRAVEL QUESTIONNAIRE
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX- 1J
REPORT OF GREENSCHOOLS COORDINATOR ON WWW INITIATIVE
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX- 1K
WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS - CALENDER OF EVENTS
Smarter Travel - Westport 2010
17th February 2010 - Meeting of Smarter Travel Steering Committee 2nd & 26th February 2010 - Schools Network Meetings. 22nd February 2010 - Presentation to Parents’ Associations 3rd March 2010 - Meeting of Smarter Travel Steering Committee 4th March 2010 - Chamber of Commerce Information
Evening on Smarter Travel 5th March 2010 - Meeting with Thelma Birrane, Health Promotion Officer, HSE 9th March 2010 - Junior Green Schools Committees –
Meeting with Members of Smarter Travel Steering Committee and Green Schools Officer
11th March 2010 - Active Schools Meeting 12th March 2010 - Briefing to Sacred Heart School
(Secondary School) students 17th March 2010 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade 17th March 2010 - Official Launch of Westport’s Smarter
Travel Campaign
12th March 2010 - 6th Class Action Day on the Greenway
25th March 2010 - Briefing to Rice College (Secondary
School) 30th March 2010 - Meeting of Smarter Travel Steering
Committee 31st March 2010 - Briefing to Westport Chamber of
Commerce 16th April 2010 - Official Opening of Westport Greenway 22nd April 2010 - Active Schools Meeting 27th April 2010 - Meeting of Smarter Travel Steering
Committee
ART COMPETITIONS
● February / March Primary School St. Patrick’s Day Art Competition Theme: Travel Smart the Westport Way ● March Sacred Heart School Seachtain na Gaeilge Art Competition
Theme: Smarter Travel Town
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
SECTION 2
PARTNERS AND MANAGEMENT
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
PARTNERS AND MANAGEMENT
2.0 PROJECT PARTNERS
In order to fully embrace and implement Westport Smarter Travel Town a multi -
disciplinary partnership was established in September 2009. The principal partners are
outlined below and represent a broad range and cross-section of agencies, business
groups, schools and sporting and community organisations in the Westport area. The
Partners are fully committed to achieving the objectives and targets of the Smarter Travel
Scheme and the goal of Making Westport the Best Possible Smarter Travel Town.
Letters of Intent are provided in Appendix 2A.
Project Lead - Westport Town Council
Westport Town Council / Mayo County Council
Partnership utilising various sections from each local authority including:
• Road Design Section
• Road Safety Office
• Walks & Cycling Development
• Planning
• Project Management & Administration
This partnership maximises the relevant skills and resources in both local authorities to
plan, design, and manage the implementation of the hard and soft measures proposed in
the Westport Smarter Travel Scheme.
• Planning & engineering design of walking & cycling infrastructure
• Monitoring and analysis of traffic types
• Project Management
• Public consultation
• Road Safety and cycle training (Road Safety Officer)
• Walking and Cycling Maps, brochures and approvals
• Behavioural Change initiatives such as Westport Walks Wednesdays (WWW)
• Communication, promotion and marketing – Website design and media
facilitation.
• Liaison with business and voluntary organisations
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
An Garda Siochana
The Garda Siochana are playing a key role in assisting the project in the following areas:
Education - Cycle Training theory and examination
- Road Safety
- Junior School Wardens
- Presentations to Schools on Westport Walks Wednesday (WWW)
initiatives
Enforcement - Speed reduction and enforcement
An Taisce – Greenschools
The Greenschools Coordinator, Ms Eva Gannon, is a key member of the Smarter Travel
Team and is involved in all aspects of the Smarter Travel Scheme, including WWW –
Westport Walks Wednesday campaign, development of Park n Stride, Smarter Travel
Promotion and Marketing and the development of the Westport’s Smarter Travel Website
www.westportsmartertravel.ie.
The WWW - Westport Walks Wednesdays Campaign which was re-launched in
Westport in November 2009 has participation rates of over 80% from Westport School.
Westport Chamber of Commerce
Both councils are working with Westport’s very active business community and Chamber
of Commerce, who have assisted in the setting up of Westport’s Multi- Agency
Enterprise Group MAEG www.westportworks.com to attract new businesses to the new
IDA Enterprise Park and Business Incubation Unit.
The Chamber of Commerce is assisting by raising awareness of Smarter Travel in
Westport through a number business meetings and joint Council / Chamber presentations
on Smarter Travel to local business on workplace travel initiatives, teleconferencing and
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
car pooling initiatives. The Group have also initiated the “We support Westport Smarter
Travel Campaign” on Facebook.
The Chamber has an important consultative input into the proposed Smarter Travel
Scheme.
Smarter Travel presentation by Chamber of Commerce
Destination Westport
Representing the Westport Hoteliers, Destination Westport are committing to initiatives
that will promote sustainable travel use among its customers, such as discounts to
customers who travel to Westport using public transport.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Failte Ireland
Fáilte Ireland is a key partner in the development, promotion and marketing of Smarter
Travel infrastructure in Mayo. Fáilte Ireland has provided over €1.2m in capital funding
since 2007 to construct 256km of National Cycle Network in West Mayo, including the
Great Western Greenway and the Westport Greenway. In addition it has provided over
€0.5m to establish seven loop walks in the Westport area and a 5km National Coastal
Walk along Clew Bay. Fáilte Ireland is currently working in partnership with Mayo Local
Authorities and the Department of Transport to develop an additional 24km of off road
cycling and walking Greenway linking Westport Town and Achill.
Great Western Greenway (Newport/Mulranny) National Coastal Walk - Boardwalk at Rosbeg
Fáilte Ireland is also offering to house a Smarter Travel Information shop within their
Tourist Office premises on James Street which will promote Smarter Travel options and
the network of walking and cycling trails to visitors and locals.
Public Transport Providers
Bus Eireann – The School Transport section is currently reviewing School Bus Drop off
points with Westport Town Council in order to reduce congestion at peak hours. Bus
Eireann is also involved in Cycle Training initiatives in schools in conjunction with An
Garda Siochana and the Mayo Road Safety Officer.
A much lobbied for bus service linking Westport and Ireland West Airport has recently
been introduced by Bus Eireann. This service means for the first time people can travel to
Westport from Knock Airport using public transport.
Irish Rail – The company recently introduced additional train services on the Westport /
Dublin line including an Early Bird service which was much lobbied for by Westport
Town Council. This service offers an important and popular alternative to long distance
car commuting to Dublin.
Irish Rail is also working in partnership with Westport Town Council to facilitate access
from the Westport Greenway onto Altamont Street.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Media
Print Media
The Mayo News has generously promoted the Westport Smarter Travel Theme by
allocating at least a half page section each week to Smarter Travel. Areas covered include
the Smarter Travel Area Competition, WWW initiatives, Westport Greenway usage,
Greenway official openings and schemes such as the Bike to Work Scheme and Mayo
County Councils Bike Scrappage Schemes. The Mayo Advertiser, Western People and
Connaught Telegraph newspapers have also regularly allocated space to Smarter Travel
Initiatives. (Appendix 2B)
Mid West Radio and Radio na Gaeltachta
Both radio stations have publicised Smarter Travel initiatives through regular bulletins
and interviews with the Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Elected
Representatives, Council Officials and the Greenschools Coordinator.
Mid West Radio interview - Deputy Beverly Flynn TD
Official Opening Westport Greenway
HSE (Health Promotion Services)
The HSE have committed to holding regular Health Seminars for local businesses and
schools on the health problems associated with inactivity. Girl’s secondary schools in
particular will be targeted to promote health benefits to be gained by using active travel
modes.
Irish Heart Foundation
The Irish Heart Foundation and Westport Town Council are currently finalising the
development of a Sli na Slainte route for Westport. (Appendix 2C)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Westport House & Country Estate
The Westport House and Country Estate is one of Mayo’s leading Tourist attractions
catering for 40,000 tourists annually. The Demense, located between Westport’s two
town cores is of strategic importance. Through the Westport House Master Plan Westport
Town Council is working with the management of Westport House on the development
of a more comprehensive network of walking and cycling networks through the
Demense.
Tours & Bike Hire Providers
Killary Adventure Centre
Killary Adventure Centre, in partnership with Westport Town Council, have developed
the Gael Force Festival, a two day Westport-based event held in August that has grown
since its inception four years ago from 150 participants to over 2,500 in 2009. This
activity based competition has key importance in raising the profile of cycling as an
enjoyable experience.
GAELFORCE Festival Westport
Clew Bay Bike Hire
Clew Bay Outdoors Bike Hire is one of four bike hire operators offering bike hire
services in the Westport area. This business offers a large range of bike types, on hourly
and daily rates. It also provides a pick up / drop off mini bus and trailer service to long
distance cyclists. A range of incentives are available to its customers that utilise public
transport rather than cars.
All bike hire businesses are currently working in partnership with Westport Town
Council to provide hire services at a range of locations in Westport Town and Quay
under a licenced advertising system.
Trail Tour Operators
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
A number of walking and cycling tour operators are currently working with Westport
Town Council to promote and market walking and cycling holidays in Ireland. These
include Trek West Tours and Sláinte Ireland Tours.
National Trails Office
The National Trails Office is working in partnership with Mayo County Council in
accrediting the counties 85 nationally approved walking trails, cycle routes and
Greenways.
Mayo Vocational Education Committee (VEC)
Mayo VEC initiative in partnership with Mayo Education Centre and the Mayo Sports
Partnership is currently promoting the importance of physical activity and sport in
schools and communities in which they are based under the Active School Flag Initiative.
All schools in Westport are working to achieve an Active School Flag.
Westport Tidy Towns
Westport Tidy Towns is the leading voluntary organisation in Westport which has
established links to all resident associations, business and community groups in the town.
With over 130 volunteers the committee is working hard at improving the public realm in
Westport. The Committee has been instrumental in promoting Smarter Travel in schools,
businesses and with other community groups.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
The photo above shows the cyclist Sean Kelly planting the first tree, (a damson fruit tree)
of 1500 trees to be planted along the Greenway over the next two years.
School Travel Network Partnership
A Schools Travel Network was established in September 2009 consisting of a
representative from all the schools in Westport Town, along with members of Westport
Town Council, Mayo County Council’s Road Safety Officer and the Greenschool’s
Coordinator. The following schools are participating:
• Holy Trinity NS
• Scoil Phadraig NS
• St Colmcille’s NS – Westport Quay
• Rice College
• Carrowbeg College
• Sacred Heart Secondary School
The network meets monthly to review progress on Smarter Travel Initiatives such as:
• Greenschools (Travel) Flag
• Active Travel Flag
• Westport Walks Wednesday Campaign
• Safe Route to Schools Infrastructure
• School Travel Survey Trends
Business Travel Network Partnership:
A Business Travel Network was established in September 2009 consisting of
representatives from the major employers, retailers and relevant service providers in
Westport. The following employers are current and active members of the Business
Travel Network. The network meets quarterly and contributes financially to the project
through a commitment to providing facilities to enable sustainable travel, support in
promotion, marketing and annual monitoring. Details of individual facility supports are
listed in Appendix 2D.
• Allergan Pharmaceuticals
• Isotron
• Port West Ltd
• Westport Chamber of Commerce
• Destination Westport
• Mayo Naturally Ltd
• Gno Mhaigh Eo
• Clew Bay Hotel
• Westport Woods Hotel
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
• Castlecourt Hotel
• Clew Bay Bike Hire
• Harmon eBike Tours
• Donnell Pharmacy
• Super Valu
• Cox Wooden Products
• Westport Leisure Centre
• Dr Oliver Whyte General Practitioner
• Westport Town Council
• Mayo County Council
• AMO
• Westport MAEG
Mayo Sports Partnership
The Mayo Sports partnership are working closely with the Smarter Travel Team and with
sports clubs in the area to promote active travel, physical activity in schools and develop
a robust culture of cycling in Mayo including the establishment of a Cycle Forum. A full
range of initiatives have been developed to promote cycling events during Bike Week.
Iompar Mhaigh Eo
Iompar Mhaigh Eo is a local voluntary group that promotes environmentally friendly and
health giving transport alternatives. The group is dedicated to improving the quality,
availability and accessibility to sustainable transport in Mayo and in turn improving the
quality of life in Mayo.
The Group have received €28,000 funding from the National Sustainable Travel Office,
Department of Transport to develop a sustainable transport web site for Mayo
www.gomayo.ie and are currently conducting travel questionnaire surveys in the county.
Funding for the operation of a pilot shuttle bus service linking Castlebar and Westport
has also been approved. It is envisaged that the Shuttle Bus service will operate for a two
week trail period in May between the towns of Westport and Castlebar between the times
of 7.00am – 9.30am and 4.30pm -6.30pm at twenty minute intervals. This service will
link all main employers within Westport and Castlebar.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
2.1 MANAGEMENT
2.1.1 STEERING GROUP
A Smarter Travel Steering Group was established in September 2009 consisting of
representatives from Westport’s Business, School and Community sectors. The group
also includes elected members from Mayo County Council, Westport Town Council and
representatives from local agencies and An Garda Siochana.
The members are as follows:
• Councillor Myles Staunton, Cathaoirleach Westport Town Council, (Chairperson)
• Superintendent Mick Murray, An Garda Siochana Westport
• Mr Peter Hynes, Town Manager, Westport Town Council (Project Leader)
• Ms Ann Moore, Westport Town Council (Project Manager)
• Mr Padraig Philbin, Mayo County Council (Project Coordinator)
• Mr Danny Mc Laughlin, President, Westport Chamber of Commerce
• Ms Eva Gannon, Greenschools Coordinator, An Taisce, Westport
• Mr Killian Dunford, Westport Chamber of Commerce
• Councillor Michael McLaughlin, Westport Town Council
• Councillor Margaret Adams, Westport Town Council
• Councillor John O’Malley, Cathaoirleach ,Westport Area Committee
• Ms Thelma Birrane, HSE West
• Mr Brian Quinn, Regional Manager, Failte Ireland West
• Ms Pamela Flanagan, Westport Tidy Towns
• Mr. Frank Dolan, Westport Tidy Towns
• Ms Anna Connor, Walking & Cycling Development Officer, Mayo Co Co
Other members include working group personnel and support officers
Smarter Travel Team
2.1.2 WORKING GROUPS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
SCHOOLS TRAVEL NETWORK
A Schools Travel Network was established in September 2009 consisting of a
representative from all the schools in Westport Town, along with members of Westport
Town Council, Mayo County Council’s Road Safety Officer and the Greenschools
Coordinator.
Ms Eva Gannon Greenschools Coordinator
Mr Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council
Ms Ann Moore Westport Town Clerk
Mr Padraig Philbin Mayo County Council
Mr Patrick Corcoran Westport Town Council
Ms Catherine Ruddy Carrowbeg College
Mr Michael Rabbette Rice College
Ms Caroline Hussey Gaelscoil na Cruaiche
Mr Stephen Moran Scoil Phadraig
Ms Al Loveday Holy Trinity School
Ms Karen Crossan Sacred Heart School
Mr John Meeney Quay NS
SMARTER TRAVEL JUNIOR COMMITTEE
A Smarter Travel Junior Committee was established in March 2010 to enable student
input into decisions relating to the Smarter Travel Areas Competition. Students initially
focussed on initiatives for the St Patricks Day Parade which was themed Smarter Travel –
The Westport Way.
Eva Gannon Green Schools Coordinator
Ann Moore Town Clerk & Project Manager
Shauna Baynes Sacred Heart School
Alison Malone Sacred Heart School
Darragh Fabby Holy Trinity
Daisy Loveday Holy Trinity www.holytrinityns.com
Jack Cashman Rice College
Sam Gillivan Rice College
Michael McDermott Rice College
Eimear Ní Bhrútain Gaelscoil na Cruaiche
Josh O Moráin Gaelscoil na Cruaiche
Smarter Travel Junior Committee – 9
th March 2010
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Students are currently actively participating through new ideas on promoting smarter
travel for Westport, WWW initiatives and operating the Westport Smart-Travel Web
page on Facebook.
BUSINESS TRAVEL NETWORK
A Business Travel Network was established in September 2009 consisting of
representatives from the major employers, retailers and relevant service providers in
Westport.
Mr. Danny Mc Laughlin President, Westport Chamber of Commerce &
Director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals
Mr. Killian Dunford Westport Chamber of Commerce
Ms Ann Moore Project Manager, Westport Town Council
Mr Simon Wall Westport Town Council
Mr Patrick Corcoran Westport Town Council
Dr. Olliver Whyte Dr Whyte General Practitioner, Westport
Mr Michael Lennon General Manager, Westport Woods Hotel
Mr Darren Madden Proprietor, Clew Bay Hotel
Ms. Mairead Lavelle Gnó Mhaigh Eo
Mr. Peter Flynn, Director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals
Mr. Dermot Langan Westport Leisure Centre
Mr. Kevin Flannery Manager, Schools Bus Division, Bus Eireann
Ms Sheila O Donnell O Donnell Pharmacy
Ms Karen Whyte Whyte House Centre, Market Lane
Mr Martin Kavanagh SuperValu
Mr Brian Quinn Mayo Naturally Ltd, James St.
Mr Harry Hughes Port West Ltd
Ms Ann McGreal Irish Rail
Mr Travis Zerag Clew Bay Bike Hire, Westport
Mr Paul Harmon Harmon Bike Tours
Mr James O Doherty Westport MultiAgency Enterprise Group (MAEG)
Ms Fiona Mitchel AMO
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
2.1.2 SMARTER TRAVEL TEAM
Mr. Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager - Project Leader,
Ms. Ann Moore, Westport Town Council - Project Manager
Mr. Padraig Philbin, Mayo County Council - Project Coordinator
Ms. Eva Gannon, Greenschools Coordinator, An Taisce
Ms. Anna Connor, Walking & Cycling Development Officer, Mayo Co Co.
Mr. Patrick Corcoran, Westport Town Engineer
Mr. Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council
Mr. Simon Wall Westport Town Architect
Mr. Robert Coyne, Senior Design Technician, Mayo County Council
Mr. Charlie Lambert, Sports Coordinator, Mayo County Development Board
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDICES – SECTION 2
2A List of submitted Letters of Intent
2B Media Clippings
2C Walking & Cycling Brochures for Westport
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 2A
LETTERS OF INTENT
Allergan Pharmaceuticals
AMO Ireland Ltd
An Garda Siochana
An Taisce (Greenschools)
Bus Eireann
Chesapeake Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Packaging
Clew Bay Bike Hire & Outdoor Adventures
Clew Bay Hotel
Covey wheelers Cycling Club
Destination Westport
Dr Oliver Whythe General Practitioner
Failte Ireland
Harmon eBike Tours
Heritage Safari Tours
HSE
Iompair Mhaigh Eo Sustainable Transport
Isotron Westport Ltd
JP Breheny & Sons Ltd
Kavanagh Group (Supervalu)
Killary adventure Centre
Mayo County Community Forum
Mayo Education Centre (Active Flag)
Mayo road Safety Officer
Mayo Sports Partnership
Mayo Vec
Mulranny Park Hotel
Port West Ltd
Quay Community Project
Slainte Ireland Tours
The Bookshop
The Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotel
The Wyatt Hotel
Tochar Valley Rural Community Network
Westport Chamber of Commerce
Westport Leisure Park
Westport Tidy Towns
Westport Woods Hotel
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Gaelscoil na Cruaiche
Holy Trinity School
Quay NS
Rice College
Sacred Heart School
Scoil Phadraig NS
Cllr Myles Staunton, Cathaoirleach, Westport Town Council
Cllr Ollie Gannon, Westport Town Council
Cllr Martin Keane, Westport Town Council
Cllr Michael Mc Laughlin, Westport Town Council
Cllr Keith Martin, Westport Town Council
Michael Ring TD
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 2B
MEDIA CLIPPINGS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
APPENDIX 2C
Walking and Cycling Brochures, Westport
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
SECTION 3
SMARTER TRAVEL SCHEME
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.0 VISION
We want sustainable transport to feature at the heart of our beautiful town and for
Westport to be recognised as a walking and cycling town of international importance,
with high participation rates and world class facilities.
Our overall goal is “To make Westport the best possible Smarter Travel Town”, where
everybody – young and old - will choose walking and cycling as their natural choice of
travelling for short journeys within the town and its environs. For longer journeys people
will, whenever possible, opt for public transport or car sharing as their preferred choice of
transport.
Westport as a Smarter Travel Town will also be Ireland’s Walking and Cycling Capital
and will attract large numbers of national and international visitors.
3.1 HIGH LEVEL OBJECTIVES
• To create a safer and slower Public Realm in Westport’s historic town centre and
Quay area.
• To create a significant modal shift in Westport – by substantially reducing the
number of car trips per day and increasing the number of trips using sustainable
modes.
• To significantly reverse the school and work travel trends that have occurred over
the last twenty years.
• To develop a Smarter Travel Pavilion - a customer service centre to coordinate
sustainable transport modes in Westport.
• To increase the proportion of Car Sharing on car journeys.
• To promote Smarter Travel Leisure activity.
• To make Westport Ireland’s Walking and Cycling Capital
• To make sustainable travel the preferred mode of access for all visitors coming to
Westport, and for their travel needs while in the area.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.2 CAR JOURNEYS IN SMARTER TRAVEL AREA
3.2.1 Trip to Work / School / College
Based on ‘work/education’ travel reports from the 2006 Census, the total trip distance per
day in Westport as a result of travel to and from work/education is 38,958km.
Average
Distance to
Work/education
% of
trips
Average return
Trip Distance
Car
Users4
Total round trip
Distance (Km)
2km 68% 4km 1411 5644
7km 7.5% 14km 155 2170
12km 5% 24km 104 2496
32km 16% 64km 332 21248
50km 3.5% 100km 74 7400
Totals 100% - 2076 38,958 km
For a total town fleet of 2076 cars, the average round trip is 18.8km or 9.4km one way.
A twenty two per cent reduction in car journeys to work/education would be
equivalent to 8570km.
3.2.2 All Trip Types
According to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) the average annual mileage of a car was
16,894 km in 2005. Considering that 9.4km is the average trip length in Westport for
distance to work/education and assuming a similar distance for all trips then a typical car
would undertake approximately 4.9 trips per day.
The following table outlines car ownership numbers in Westport.
CAR Ownership (Households)
1 Car 2 Cars > 2 cars No car Total
Westport 794 452 124 401 1771
Source census 2006
4 Apportionment of car users by distance has been calculated assuming similar division to all users)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
There are a total of 2,070 cars in 1771 households in the Westport Urban area or
approximately 1.2cars/household. The total number of journeys undertaken in Westport is
shown below.
No of
Cars
Total Car trips/day Total Car Distance /
day
Total Rd Trip
Distance/day
2070 10143
( i.e 4.9 x 2070)
95344.2km
(i.e 10143 x 9.4)
190,688km
The total round trip distance involved in all travel in Westport is 190,688km per day.
A twenty two per cent reduction in all car journeys would be equivalent to
41,950km.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.3 TARGETS
3.3.1 All Trips Travel
High level targets for all trip types in Westport are outlined in the table below. It is
anticipated that there will be a modal shift of 12.5% for all car trips in the period 2010 –
2015. This equates to a 22% reduction in private car use. Walking and in particular
cycling modes will substantially increase in use.
. Indicator 2006 levels5 Target Modal Shift
(2010-2015)
1
Proportion of all of trips by car
57.5%
45%
12.5%
2
Proportion of all trips by bicycle
1%
12%
11%
3
Proportion of all trips by foot
26%
35%
9%
4
Reduction in single occupancy car use
-
10%
-
5
Westport Tourist Traffic
20% reduction
in peak summer
traffic flows
Table 3.1 Smarter Travel High Level Targets for all trip types
3.3.2 National School Travel
Targets for trips to Westport’s National schools are outlined in the table below. It is
anticipated that there will be a modal shift of 41% for car trips in the period 2010 – 2015.
This equates to a 62% reduction in private car use. Walking and in particular cycling
modes will substantially increase in use.
Indicator 2006 Levels6 Target Modal Shift
(2010-2015)
1
School travel by car
66%
25%
41%
2
School Travel by bicycle
2%
20%
18%
3
School Travel by foot
14%
45%
31%
4
School Travel by Bus
9%
10%
1%
Table 3.2 Smarter Travel Targets for National School trips
5 Census 2006 – SAP Westport Urban (Appendix 1H)
6 School Surveys in Westport 2006
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.3.3 Secondary School Travel
Targets for trips to Westport’s Secondary schools are outlined in the table below. It is
anticipated that there will be a modal shift of 37% for car trips in the period 2010 – 2015.
This equates to a 65% reduction in private car use. Both walking and cycling to
secondary schools will substantially increase in use.
Indicator 2006 Levels
6 Target Modal Shift
(2010-2015)
1
School travel by car
57%
20%
37%
2
School Travel by bicycle
1%
17%
16%
3
School Travel by foot
9%
28%
19%
4
School Travel by Bus
34%
35%
1%
Table 3.3 Smarter Travel Targets for National Schools
3.3.4 Work Travel
Targets for trips to work are outlined in the table below. It is anticipated that there will
be a modal shift of 12.5% for car trips in the period 2010 – 2015. This equates to a 22%
reduction in private car use. In addition to increased walking and cycling there will be
emphasis here on car sharing.
Indicator
Census 2006
levels7
Target Modal Shift
(2010-2015)
1
Work travel by car
57.5%
45%
12.5%
2
Work travel by foot
26%
35%
9%
3
Work travel by bike
1%
10%
9%
4
Suppressed Journeys
-
2%
Table 3.4 Smarter Travel Targets for Work trips
7 Census 2006 – Means of Travel to Work (SAP). Assumption here that work only travel is similar to
Work/education.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.3.5 Leisure Travel (Walking & Cycling)
It is anticipated that leisure trips will grow substantially grow in Westport over the next
five years. This increase will arise from the permanent population of the town
participating in the new premium active travel facilities and through the participation of
the large numbers of visitors to the town.
Indicator
Increase
(2010-2015)
1
Leisure Walking
100%
2
Leisure Cycling
200% -
500%
3
Rollerblading
300%
Table 3.5 Smarter Travel Targets for Leisure trips
3.3.6 Justification of Targets
The above targets are required in order for Westport to adhere to the national targets set
out in the Smarter Travel Policy and National Cycle Policy Framework namely:
• Reduction in car commuting to work from 65% to 45%
• The total kilometres travelled by the fleet in 2020 will not increase significantly
from current levels
• 10% of all bike trips to be 10% by 2020
The modal shifts that need to be achieved in Westport are ambitious and their
achievement will be challenging. However they will be achievable for the following
reasons:
1. Westport town has an enviable track record of success on projects involving
collaboration between community, voluntary and state agencies. When Westport
commits to a project, the whole town embraces it fully. This same ambition for
success and level of collaboration is being applied to Smarter Travel.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
2. The project is being lead by an inspired and highly committed management team
with a proven record of success in delivering sustainable transport projects.
3. The Smarter Travel Scheme has ‘an across the board’ support of political,
business and community sectors in Westport.
4. There are traditionally high levels of walking to work/education in Westport
which at 26% is higher than the national average. This is a solid base from which
to start from, in achieving the target rate of 35% for all trips and the higher of
45% rate for national schools.
5. The Westport Walks Wednesday’s initiative has been hugely successful with
weekly participation rates of over 80% since October 2009. In effect 80% of
Westport students are travelling to school on WWW days using sustainable
modes. The success of WWW is spilling over into other week days – there are
higher levels of walking and cycling on other school days also, than there was
prior to the commencement of the initiative. WWW is also increasingly in
popularity with all citizens.
6. The modal results achieved through WWW are very significant and a solid first
step to achieving the Smarter Travel school targets, with the best schools
displaying walking ranges from 25% to 34% (target 45%) and cycling ranges
from 11 to 22% (target 20%). In particular the cycling target proposed is
currently being met in the Quay School on WWW days.
7. The newly opened Westport Greenway provides a premium quality off road
cycling and walking route, directly facilitating 60% of Westport’s population.
There has been a phenomenal change in the numbers of people using the
Greenway since it opened in January 2010. The average daily number of people
using the facility is approximately 400 persons and there are over four times more
people using the facility this year than last. There has also been a noticeable and
substantial increase in cycling levels in the Westport area since the opening of the
Greenway. There are approximately 100 bicycle journeys (20% of all journeys)
on this Greenway per day.
8. The Smarter Travel Scheme incorporates a comprehensive mixture of soft and
hard measures which are tailored for the situation in Westport. There is significant
research available on the positive impact that measures can make in changing
travel behaviour when applied individually or in combination. The Westport
Smarter Travel Scheme will comprise of a comprehensive series of soft and hard
measures to bring about the behavioural changes necessary to meet the targets,
high level objectives and overall goal of the proposed Smarter Travel Scheme.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.4 OVERVIEW OF SMARTER TRAVEL SCHEME
The Smarter Travel Scheme aims to transform travel trends in Westport by reducing ge
the number of car trips in the area by 22% and significantly increasing the trips using
alternative modes of transport, in particular walking and cycling.
The scheme will bring about the cultural and physical changes necessary to transform the
public realm into an area, where non motorised modes can coexist in harmony with the
car on Westport’s streets and roads.
Travel change will be achieved through a multifaceted strategy based on hard and soft
behavioural change measures, supported by a hugely willing partnership between the
community and business groups, voluntary and state agencies in Westport.
The scheme will win the hearts and minds of the public and bring about lifestyle cultural
change through a comprehensive communication and marketing strategy. Transformation
of the physical environment will be achieved through a programme of hard and soft
measures, which adhere to the hierarchy of solutions outlined in National Cycling Policy
Framework.
The proposed Smarter Travel scheme has been developed based on our experiences in
dealing with the historic town core and its hinterland. This scheme includes the following
series of measures:
• The upgrade and improvement of all streets in the historic core by replicating the
designs already executed to Bridge and Shop Street. These works will be
complimented by introducing disincentives to vehicular traffic and the reduction
of speed. The prerequisite for these works will be the introduction of a pay and
display parking strategy for the entire historic town core and adjoining residential
areas. A new 30Kph zone will also be introduced to this area to calm traffic
speed.
• The utilisation of a comprehensive existing network of abandoned railway lines
and tracks which permeate through out all districts of the town and its hinterland.
These Greenways will be upgraded to provide a world class cycling and walking
network that will connect close to 100% of Westport’s built environment. These
Green ways will be complimented with premium cycle tracks and lanes on the
existing public roads to provide an overall world class eco transportation network
for the town. This network will provide direct connectivity and safer independent
travel for cyclists and pedestrians throughout all of the town’s districts.
• The provision of a high quality sustainable travel facility, which will coordinate
information relating to all types of Smarter Travel transport will be a key part of
the scheme.
• A comprehensive Winning Hearts and Minds programme involving all stake
holders will underpin the overall scheme.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
New pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Carrowbeg River
Proposed Cycle Lanes at Ballinrobe Road
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.5 SCHEME MEASURES
3.5.1 Soft Measures
Soft Measures Likely
Modal
Shift
Impact
Pay and Display 5% People will walk further rather than pay. In Westport,
Pay and Display on streets and in residential areas will
dissuade traffic from circling town looking for free
parking which is contributing to congestion. Also will
dissuade long stay traffic in residential areas and return
areas to residents.
Disincentive to traffic generally – reduced traffic and
reduced emissions
30 kph Zone 10% Reduced speeds in zone will reduce likelihood of
serious or fatal accident occurring and make it safer for
walking and cycling.
Workplace Travel Plans
10%
Reduce congestion and greenhouse gases.
Long-term health benefits from more physical activity.
Social and community linkages improved
School Travel Plans
20%
Reduce congestion caused by school drop offs.
Environmental – reduced Co2 emissions
Long term health benefits due to more activity.
Social and community fabric improved.
Car Sharing
5%
Reduce congestion and greenhouse gases
Social and community linkages improved
Winning Hearts and Mind Campaign
–
Beauty & The Bike
Operation Transformation
30%
Health
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Bike Busters
Parent & teacher Seminars
Seminars to sector groups
(voluntary groups etc)
Parents Association Seminars
Cycle Champions
School Active Flag
Bike Scrappage Scheme
Bike Sculptures
Weekly Media Promotion
Monthly Newsletter
Inclusion in Mayo Sports
Partnership brochure
Westport’s Smartest Mover
Competition
Bike Week Activities
Safety
Social and Independence skills
Community Spirit
Cycle Training
Cycle Maintenance
Cycle Hire Availability
Personalised Travel Marketing
User Surveys and Monitoring
Traffic Surveys
5%
Increase in cycling levels
Reduced Accidents
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Greenschools Travel Programme
WWW
Dr Bike Maintenance
Cycle Training
Cycle Skills Competitions
Climate change Workshops
Walk around Ireland resource
Golden Boot Awards
Poster/postcard competitions
Essay Competitions
Westport’s Smartest Mover
Cycle Trains
Walking School Bus
Greenschools Travel Flag
30%
Health
Safety
Social and Independence skills
Community Spirit
Centralised Bus Drop for Schools
Bus Information / Leaflets/pocket
timetables
BusEireann.ie
Whensmybus.ie
linked to
www.Westportsmartertravel.ie
3%
Improved public transport usage
Reduced Greenhouse gas emissions
10% Increases in usage of sustainable modes and reduced
car trips. Environmental and health benefits
Promotion
Website
Social Network (Facebook)
Promotional material -
HiVest Vests with logo, hats,
stickers
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Brand Name Westport – Lets Get
Out
Travel Information Shop, James St
Information Displays in Civic
Centres, Library and Leisure Centre
Variable Message Sign displaying
range of information
“Westport Smarter Travel Town.
Use Greenway on WWW days”
“Bike to Town”
“Share the Journey – CarShare!”
Promotion Days –
St Patricks Day – Travel Smart, the
Westport Way
Official Opening of Infrastructure
(eg Westport Greenway)
Longest Cycle Train on Greenway
From Railway to Greenway
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.5.2 Hard Measures
Hard Measures Likely
Modal
Shift
Impact
Greening & Wide-
paving of Footpaths
9%
More pleasant public realm
Reduced speed through physical means and thereby reduced
accident rates.
Increased walking and cycling.
Economic Gain – Tidy Towns and tourism benefits
Continuity of Footpaths
9%
Improved safety, reduced speed and thereby reduced accidents.
Greenway Development
35%
Improved safety in off road environment.
Increased usage.
Improvement to public realm.
Tourism and health benefits.
Traffic Calming
(Pedestrian priority)
10%
Improved safety, reduced speed and thereby reduced accidents
Smarter Travel Centre
(Pavillion)
20%
Park n Ride facility
Increased Carpool – reduce commuter traffic
First step in radically reducing car commute to Castlebar
Economic Tourism Benefit
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.6 WESTPORT SMARTER TRAVEL CENTRE
The provision of a high quality sustainable travel centre, offering essential facilities for
all types of Smarter Travel transport be will located in the heart of the town in the Mill
St. /High St car park, adjacent to the Westport Greenway. This sustainable travel facility,
with park and ride, will offer modern public transport facilities to work commuters and
will be a first step from which to build new bus services / routes (especially morning
work/evening services) to and from Castlebar. The facility has the potential to radically
resolve the car commuting problem between two large and inter dependent towns.
The Smarter Travel Pavilion incorporates:
• Glazed illuminated information Display of timetables of all Public Transportation
Modes
• Sheltered public and rental bicycle park.
• Secure Lockers for bag/cycle equipment storage.
• Two secure Shower/Toilet Rooms.
• A Public waiting room.
• A manned sustainable transportation information booth.
The Westport Smarter Travel Pavilion Building
The Smarter Travel Centre will compliment Westport’s notable architecture with a
contemporary signature pavilion structure that will embody the spirit of Smarter Travel
and leave a lasting mark on the towns built environment.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.7 SCHEME DRAWINGS
The detailed description of the proposed Smarter Travel Scheme is illustrated on a
series of drawings listed below:
Overall Key Plan – A Drawing No. 4435/10/01
Overall Key Plan – B (PhotoMap) Drawing No. 4435/10/02
Existing & Proposed Walking Network
(Westport West) Drawing No. 4435/10/03
Existing & Proposed Walking Network
(Westport East) Drawing No. 4435/10/04
Existing & Proposed Walking Network
(Westport North) Drawing No. 4435/10/05
Proposed Cycle Network
(Westport West) Drawing No. 4435/10/06
Proposed Cycle Network
(Westport East) Drawing No. 4435/10/07
Proposed Cycle Network
(Westport North) Drawing No. 4435/10/08
Westport Town Centre
Proposed walking & Cycling Network Drawing No. 4435/10/09
Proposed Raised Junctions
At the Mall Drawing No. 4435/10/10
Cross sections of footpaths/
Road & Cycle Network Drawing No. 4435/10/11
Proposed 30KPH Zone Drawing No. 4435/10/12
PAY & DISPLAY Zone Drawing No. 4435/10/13
Existing Parking Capacity
(On Street & Carparks) Drawing No. 4435/10/14
Octagon Walking Gauge Drawing No. 4435/10/15
Smarter Travel Pavillion Drawing No. 4435/10/16
Existing Westport Greenway Drawing No. 4435/10/17
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.8 SCHEME BENEFITS
3.8.1 Greenhouse Gas Avoidance
Considering average mileage of each car is 16894km (SEI 2005), then each car emits
(16894*167gCo2/km) = 2821kgCo2 annually or 2.821tCo2/annum
There are 2070 cars in Westport households, therefore the total tonnage Co2 emitted for
2070 cars is 5840t
For a 22% reduction in Car journeys the amount of Co2 avoided/annum is 1285t
3.8.2 Health Benefits
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Irish population is increasing. The
majority of Irish adults are now either overweight or obese. According to the SLAN 2007
survey a total of 38% of Irish adults are reported to be overweight with a further 23%
obese.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst national school children is increasing
and in particular the prevalence among secondary school children has increased from
13% since 1990.
BMI Status % of Population (2007)
Children
(5 – 12yr olds) 8 Overweight 11
Obese 11
Total 22
Children
(13 – 17yr olds) 9 Overweight 19
Obese 16
Total 35
Adults10
Overweight 38
Obese 23
Total 61
These trends mirror a similar situation in the UK11
where research12
is suggesting that
more than 60% of the UK adult population could be obese by 2050.
8 Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) National Childrens Food Survey, 2007 www.IUNA.net
9 Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) National Childrens Food Survey, 2007 www.IUNA.net
10 Morgan K, McGee H, Watson D et al 2008 Slan 2007:Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in
Ireland, Main Report, Dublin, Dept of Health and Children. www.Slan07.ie
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Obesity levels have rose with car ownership levels. Owning a car greatly increases the
odds of a person being obese. In a Chinese study13
of 4,700 adults over an eight year
period, the odds of being obese were 70 per cent greater for men if they owned a car.
According to HSE research, obesity is a precursor of many chronic illnesses, accounting
for 30-40% of cancers, is associated with late life dementia and accounts for 80% of the
dramatic rise in type 2 diabetes.
It is well documented14
that one of the primary reasons for the prevalence of overweight
and obesity in the Irish population is lack of exercise. At present two out of three Irish
adults are not meeting recommended activity levels of at least 30 minutes of vigorous or
moderate activity over a 5 day week. Older persons are less likely to meet recommended
activity levels.
Increasing physical activity has a positive preventative and therapeutic effect on a range
of diseases. This association is strongest for the relationships between activity and a
coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and colon cancer. The health impact
of activity is based upon the duration, intensity and frequency of activity. According to
the Chief Medical Officer in the Dept of Health (UK), the more exercise a person does
the healthier they will be; however the greatest reduction in health risks is produced by
helping people to move from inactivity and low levels of participation up to moderate
levels of participation.15
The following recommendations for physical activity in relation
to health have been established:
Duration Intensity Frequency
Adults 30 mins in total Moderate intensity activity 5 times / week
Children 60 mins in total Moderate intensity activity Each day
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week is enough to deliver substantial
health benefits, although more than that – about 45 minutes – may be needed to lose
weight. Ideally exercise must be regular and incidental, almost every day.
Adhering to the current activity guidelines has shown a significant reduction (20-30%)16
in risk of all causes of death. The recommended level of activity requires an energy loss
of about 4 MegaJoules / week which is equivalent to walking - a moderate intensity
activity - for about 40 minutes per day or cycling - a vigorous intensity activity - for 20
minutes per day. A study of over 30,000 individuals in Copenhagen17
over a fourteen
year period evaluated the impact of activity on health outcomes. After controlling for
11 Health Survey for England – NHS (2007)
12 Foresight Tackling Obesities (2007)
13 Bell, Ge & Popkin “The Road to obesity or the path to prevention: motorized transportation and obesity
in China”, Obesity Research, Volume 10, Number 4, 2002 pp 277-283. 14 The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity (2005)
15 At least five a week – Chief Medical Officer Dept of Health (UK) 2004
16 Physical activity and all cause mortality – Lee & Skerrett (2001)
17 All-Cause Mortality Associated with Physical Activity – Anderson et al (2000)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
other variables the study found that those cycling to work reduced their relative risk of
mortality by 39%.
Research has also shown that walking and cycling improve cardiovascular health,
resulting in reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, retard muscle / bone loss and
thereby slowing down the ageing process.
Cycling and walking are sustainable transport means to combating the physical inactivity
that is contributing to the range of chronic diseases that shorten life spans and that
significantly contribute to national health costs.
3.8.3 Reduction in accidents
In 2008, there were 239 fatalities and 835 serious injuries on Irish roads. Of the fatalities
• 17.5% were Pedestrians
• 5% were cyclists
• 67.2% were car users
• 10.3% were motorcyclists
Over the ten year period 1998 to 2008 the following trends were established:
• 40% of accidents involve one car
• 30% of fatal accidents occur at night and during hours associated with drinking
• Accidents are more likely to occur at weekends and at night
• Almost one third of all national fatal and serious injury accidents occur on urban
roads
• The factors identified by An Garda Siochana as contributors include Driver Error
(81%), Pedestrian Error (11%), Road (4%), Environment (3%), Vehicle (1%).
• Causes include excessive speed 22%, Drink influence 28%, going to wrong side
of road 34%.
Urban 28%
Rural 72%
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS (1998 – 2008) - KEY POINTS
• Pedestrian fatalities account for 18% of all road fatalities
• The annual number of pedestrian fatalities has fallen by 47% to 49 since 1998.
• Pedestrian fatalities are most likely to occur in urban areas
• Over 45% of pedestrian fatal and serious injuries occur when crossing the road
• 6% of pedestrian fatal and serious injuries involve children under 14 years playing
on the road.
• Ireland has the highest pedestrian death rate in the EU and the highest level of
child pedestrian rates.
CYCLING ACCIDENTS (1998 – 2008) - KEY POINTS
• Cycling fatalities account for 5% of all road fatalities
• The number of annual cyclist fatalities has remained constant (approximately 14)
since 1998.
• Almost 79% cyclists killed annually were male
• The most vulnerable cycling group are male children aged 10-16 years who
accounted for 20% of all cycling fatalities and serious injuries.
• 33% of cycling fatalities involved collision with goods vehicles
• 51% of cycling fatalities involved collision with car
• 48% of cycling deaths occur in urban areas and 52% in rural areas.
According to the Road Safety Authority18
, the cost of all fatal and serious injury road
collisions on Irish roads during 2008 is estimated at €1.2bn.
Type of Injury Estimated Cost
Fatal Injury €2,758,111
Serious Injury €368,474
Minor Injury €36,291
In 2008 there were 12 fatalities and 13 serious injuries in County Mayo. In Westport area
there were 10 injuries (2 serious injuries and 8 minor injuries) and representing 1.9
average collisions / 1000 population – significantly higher than the national average.
The estimated cost to society of accidents occurring in Westport is €1,027,276.
SPEED
Speed is a demonstrated road collision causal factor. According to the Road Safety
Authority (RSA)19
30% of road deaths are caused by inappropriate speed. Compliance
18 Road Collision Facts Ireland 2008, Road Safety Authority
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
with speed is reducing annually for all vehicles on both urban and rural road types. In
2008 the following was observed:
Car Speeds
• 61% of all cars on urban roads are speeding
• 22.6% of all cars on rural roads are speeding
• 78% of cars exceeded the 50km/h zones on urban national roads (over half
exceeding the limit by more than 10km/h)
• 4% of cars exceeded the 50km/h zone in urban residential areas
Articulated Truck Speeds
• 68% of articulated trucks are speeding on urban national roads (approx 40% of
these are at speeds of 60-80 km/h).
Speed / Fatality Relationship
The relationship between Speed and Fatal Injury is well documented.20
• A pedestrian hit by a car traveling at 30km/h stands a 5% chance of being killed
• hit at 50km/h, the pedestrian has a 45% chance of being killed
• hit at 60kp/h, the pedestrian has an 85% chance of being killed
Therefore reducing speed limit from 50 kp/h to 30km/h reduces the likelihood of a
pedestrian being killed in an impact with a car by 40%.
The primary benefit of introducing a 30KPH zone is the hugely significant safety
benefit to pedestrians and cyclists.
Research and international experience show that the frequency and severity of road
crashes tend to decrease with reductions in average speed. A 1km/h decrease in average
speed results typically in a 3% decrease in road crash frequency.21
The introduction of a 30kph in Westport will demand a reduction of 20kp/h in
average speeds and based on the findings of the above research it will reduce the
frequency of a road crash by 60%. This is equivalent to 6 less injuries per year and
an annual economic saving to society of €0.64million
19 Survey of Free Speed (Urban and Rural) 2008
20 National Roads Authority – Speed Survey 1997
21 European Transport Safety Council
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
3.8.4 Creation of new business opportunities
There are significant opportunities for new businesses as a direct result of Smarter Travel.
In Mayo we know of four new businesses that have being established as a result of the
new National Cycle Network in the County and the opportunities which will come from a
Smarter Travel area.
These businesses are
• Clew Bay Bike Hire & Outdoor Adventures based in Westport and employing
three people.
• Harmon EBike Tours based in Westport
• Heritage Safari Tours based in Mulranny
• Swift Bike Hire, Newport
Clew Bay Bike Hire, Westport
3.8.5 Tourism
According to Fáilte Ireland holidaymakers, engaging in active pursuits in Ireland,
spent more than €1 billion in 2008 with almost a million overseas visitors engaging in
activities such as walking, cycling, equestrian pursuits and water based activities. These
were high value overseas tourists generating spend levels 40% higher than the average
visitor.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010
Walking and Cycling are both growing and valuable markets with large potential markets
abroad. Harris Research commissioned by Failte Ireland in 2008 shows that cycling has
huge potential to attract visitors to Ireland (3.30 million potential visitors). The principal
opportunity for cycling lies primarily with visitors from Germany, Netherlands & the
UK.
From a cycle tourism perspective, the potential for Westport is very significant. Westport
as a Smarter Travel Town and Cycling Hub, located on the proposed Great Western
Greenway (Westport / Achill) has the potential to gain high numbers of additional
visitors and thereby ensure the long term sustainability of this important industry.
3.9 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The strategy that will be used to engage the Community has been outlined in the stage 1
bid and in Section 1. Pledged Actions for the short term have been made by a range of
stakeholders and are outlined on the following Stakeholder Actions Plan.
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