NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AREAS COMPETITION Stage … · Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2...

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2 Bid April 2010

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NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

AREAS COMPETITION

Stage 2 Bid


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

[email protected]

[email protected]

Fax

098 50431

098 50431

http://www.westportsmartertravel.ie/

http://www.westporttc.ie/

http://www.mayococo.ie/

mailto:[email protected]


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


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


SECTION 1

EMBRACING SMARTER TRAVEL


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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’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


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)


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.


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


- 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.


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.


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)


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.


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.


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.


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


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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.


Holy Trinity School Smarter Travel students.

St. Patrick’s Smarter Travellers

Allergen Pharmaceuticals Float


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


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.


Smarter Movers follow The Minister

Ministerial Hi 5!

1.5.5 Communication and Information


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



Smarter Travel Website

www.smartertravel.ie

Westport Chamber and Westport Youth face book pages.

Information:

http://www.smartertravel.ie/


• 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


Promotion of Cycle Training 6th May 2010

Smarter Travel Information Display at Westport Civic Centre


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


APPENDIX 1A & 1B


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


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


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)


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


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)


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


APPENDIX- 1I

LOCAL TRAVEL QUESTIONNAIRE


APPENDIX- 1J

REPORT OF GREENSCHOOLS COORDINATOR ON WWW INITIATIVE


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


SECTION 2

PARTNERS AND MANAGEMENT


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


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


http://www.westportworks.com/


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.


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.


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 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


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.


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


• 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.

http://www.gomayo.ie/


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


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

http://www.holytrinityns.com/


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


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


APPENDICES – SECTION 2

2A List of submitted Letters of Intent

2B Media Clippings

2C Walking & Cycling Brochures for Westport


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


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


APPENDIX 2B

MEDIA CLIPPINGS


APPENDIX 2C

Walking and Cycling Brochures, Westport


SECTION 3

SMARTER TRAVEL SCHEME


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.


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)


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.


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


New pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Carrowbeg River

Proposed Cycle Lanes at Ballinrobe Road


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


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


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



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


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


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.


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


(Westport East) Drawing No. 4435/10/04


(Westport North) Drawing No. 4435/10/05

Proposed Cycle Network

(Westport West) Drawing No. 4435/10/06


(Westport East) Drawing No. 4435/10/07


(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


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


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)


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%


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


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


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.


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.

NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AREAS COMPETITION Stage … · Westport - Smarter Travel Town - Stage 2...

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