Sustainable Development Plan for Meath
 The developers of the plan, Mr. Brian Guckian and Mr. Tadhg Crowley, stressed that although the NRA has recently moved away from the "2+1" format as a preference for appropriate road upgrades, it remains an approved design option and has been used without problems in other European countries such as Sweden and Denmark, with a 50% reduction in fatal crashes in the case of the former. They further stated that their context for the use of 2+1 in the Tara-Skryne Valley was different, with use of the format being made possible by the reduced traffic volumes brought about by the rail and coach transport elements of the plan. The road would also be toll-free as the modifications to the motorway would save very significantly on the capital costs, which would then be used to buy out the PPP contract, and the tolls. The land within the Tara-Skryne Valley purchased for the M3 would be held in state ownership and designated for heritage interpretation and protection. The extent of the World Heritage site area would encompass the five major centres of Navan, Kells, Trim, Dunshaughlin and Slane, bringing a major tourist and economic dividend for the region, the promoters say. Click image for more information |