A number of transport projects in the North West are set to be delivered within the next three years.
The pathfinder projects are those selected following Transport Minister Eamon Ryan’s call to local authorities over the summer to submit their most innovative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas.
Among the local highlights includes a pilot programme in Co. Leitrim to integrate Local Link with a hackney and community e-bike scheme.
In Sligo, an Active Travel Infrastructure corridor is to be established from Carraroe south of Sligo town to the town centre, linking residential areas, schools, retail facilities, community facilities, employment centres and increasing opportunities for walking and cycling from the suburbs into the town centre.
A further Active Travel Corridor is also planned, extending from Sligo Town Centre to the ATU Sligo campus at Ballinode.
Sligo County Council also has rolled out a 12-month trial for electric bikes (e-bikes) in and around Sligo Town, which will run until June 2023. The primary purpose of this trial is to establish whether an efficient and convenient e-bike scheme will help to support and encourage the desired shift from private car towards sustainable shared transport alternatives.
This Pathfinder will facilitate the expansion of the pilot scheme through the provision of charging docks in two locations in Sligo town and will build on the learning gained from the pilot to inform the development of shared e-bike schemes in similar sized towns.
While in Leitrim, a pilot programme is set to explore how community-based solutions can improve integration with public transport services. The pilot encompasses further research into demand for
services, building on an existing community car scheme. The programme is to integrate Local Link service, hackney and community e-bike scheme T
Following this, an operations model and governance system will be developed. The project will also include the development of a software management tool to match requests with transport providers. The Pathfinder aims to provide insight into effective rural sustainable mobility options, facilitating households, where possible, to move from two car to one car ownership.
Also in Leitrim, an employee carpooling scheme is to be set up among County Leitrim’s largest employers. The County Council will provide leadership by implementing this scheme with its 250 staff members and has begun a process of engagement with the largest employers in the county to encourage their participation.
