Jonathan Condell Engineering Lead for Ulster Canal Greenway Phase I

Greenways Design Greenway design guidance SUSTRANS Connect 2 Guide Heritage Council National Cycle Manual 2011 Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2013 Broad emphasis is with accommodating pedestrians, cyclists before considering the motor car

Design Basics Care should be taken to preserve the high amenity value of the landscape Appropriate design Rural areas should be treated as ‘naturally’ as possible: timber fencing, gravel surfaces Shared path for walking & cycling – wider than for single use 3.0m Pathway with 1.0m Verge Use of cattle grid in Cambridge, UK, allowing land to remain open and reducing the need to close off the user from the surrounding countryside

The Initial Steps 1. Identify the Route Aerial photos for initial scoping Follow up with on site inspections Identify the landowners – land search Identify problem areas & consider the various options for mitigating 2. Preliminary Design Drawings Topographical Survey Identify the Route Options Excerpt from Council’s GIS system, showing Ulster Canal, and overlaying Landowner info from Land Registry

Public Consultation Land Occupiers + Landowners on both sides of proposed route Statutory Bodies + Other Agencies Waterways Ireland for Canals Irish Rail for disused railways Planning Authority ESB + Other Utility Providers Community Groups General Public (Potential Users)

Planning Application (Part 8) Detailed Design Drawings Apply for High Specification Project despite Budget Road Safety Audit Stage 1/2 Appropriate Assessment Impact of proposed development of qualifying features of Natura 2000 Site. Mitigation Measures Ecological survey submitted Anti-Social Behaviour concerns addressed

Tender Documents Full construction drawings As complete as possible. As any ‘material change’ to the contract will lie outside your contractor’s price, and this is where project costs rise significantly Site Investigation To establish the ground conditions especially for Bridge Structures Prepare Tender Documents Pre-qualification for Contractors Pricing Document Work Requirement Documents

Evaluation of Tenders Determine the Most Economically Advantageous Tender Notify all of intention to award contract Allow time period for appeals to decision Receipt of relevant of Insurances, Bonds, etc Award contract Pre-Commencement Meeting

Sign of Stage 1/2 Road Safety Audit Office of Public Works - Section 50 (Design Approval for Watercourse Treatment Electrical Connections for Public Lighting or Relocation of Electric Supply Planning Permission: Part 8 Process Access to Third Party Land POTENTIAL DELAYS

CONSTRUCTION Simple Construction Process for Main Route Interface with Urban Area Complex Health and Safety Concerns Site security Theft of equipment Enthusiastic walkers

Additional Features Build Biodiversity measures in from the start Preserve top soil (original seed bed) Consider Nesting season during construction period e.g Kingfisher How can your design create habitat/ minimise impact on the wildlife that is there already? Bats vs. public lighting How can you use the Greenway to promote the concept of sustainable development, and as an educational resource? Educational materials, information boards, outdoor classrooms

Land Ownership Issues Compulsory Purchase Order Cycle / Footpaths are considered a Roadway under the Roads Act Use CPO when Land Ownership unclear or Agreement not Possible This may be the case with some sections of the Ulster Canal, which was abandoned by Lagan Navigation in the 1930’s Appeal Process with An Bord Pleanála We had one such objection on the Monaghan stretch of Greenway. The hearing was conducted and the outcome known within 3 months. A claim for compensation cannot hold up the CPO. We initiated CPO process in April 2013, and were able to enter on that section of land in February 2014.

Signage Directional signage needs to be in Gaeilge as well as English The installation of ‘trailhead’ signage, with a map of the route and information for users, is a requirement for inclusion of the route in the National Trails programme Highlights Route for Potential users

Insurance As a roadway, the Greenway is included in the Council’s general insurance policy. Any stretch which passes over private land (by permission) – the insurers will require a copy of the written permission in order to indemnify the landowner against public liability on that section of route

Access + Maintenance Staggered Gate System to slow Cyclists and Prevent Vehicular Access Car Parking Facilities should be provided at key locations Design should consider access for Emergency Services Connectivity is Key for the Greenway to Existing Transport Infrastructure

Equestrian use Why not, with rules? pilot ‘responsible shared use’ project ongoing in Scotland In France, sanded verges provided where appropriate to allow horses to canter on where they can see it’s clear ahead Ironic to bar horses from the tow path, which was originally designed for them!!