Rathcroghan (Ráth Crúachan) is a well-preserved prehistoric and medieval archaeological landscape located in Co Roscommon. Image courtesy of Fáilte Ireland.
The first in-person, non-statutory public consultation for the emerging preferred route option for the N5 Active Travel–Tulsk to Rathcroghan Project took place in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, Co Roscommon last month.
The project will provide a cycling/walking link from Tulsk village to the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex, a candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting over 100 recorded monuments. In addition to allowing visitors and tourists to visit the site by foot and bicycle, it will enable locals in the many residential dwellings along the route to access facilities, including bus services, in Tulsk village.
By implementing active travel facilities along the route, the project aims to take advantage of a significant reduction in traffic on the existing N5 between Tulsk and Rathcroghan resulting from the construction of the new N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project and the re-classification of the existing N5 national route as a regional/local road.
The scheme is being advanced by Roscommon County Council in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport.
Promoting a modal shift and active travel
The majority of visitors to the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex travel in private vehicles to access the site, preventing them from experiencing the archaeological landscape to the full and contributing to environmental emissions. By providing a safe and dedicated route for cyclists and pedestrians, this project addresses these issues, promoting a shift towards sustainable transportation for tourist and leisure purposes and reducing reliance on private cars.
A well-attended public consultation
Representatives from Roscommon County Council joined our project team at the public consultation to discuss the project objectives, answer queries and give the local community an opportunity to highlight any concerns or identify potential opportunities.
Drawings with key constraints, design options, the emerging preferred option and next steps were displayed for attendees, who included local residents, businesses, stakeholders and interested parties. The event was well attended, with landowners playing a crucial role in discussions by sharing their perspectives on the positive and negative aspects of the scheme.
Next steps
As lead consultant on the scheme, ROD is committed to delivering an exemplar project that prioritises safety, sustainability and respect for the unique cultural heritage of Co Roscommon. Submissions received as part of the public consultation will be assessed by the project team as they complete the options study and determine the emerging preferred option, with a commitment from the project team to minimise any adverse impacts on the environment and local communities.
The emerging preferred option will be refined in Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation, which will involve development of the preliminary design and understanding environmental assessments.
