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
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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
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Impact of proposed development of qualifying features of Natura
2000 Site.
 Mitigation Measures
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Ecological survey submitted
Anti-Social Behaviour concerns addressed
Tender Documents
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Full construction drawings
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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
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To establish the ground conditions especially for Bridge
Structures
Prepare Tender Documents
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Pre-qualification for Contractors
Pricing Document
Work Requirement Documents
Evaluation of Tenders
 Determine the Most Economically Advantageous
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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
POTENTIAL DELAYS
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Sign of Stage 1/2 Road Safety Audit
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Office of Public Works - Section 50 (Design Approval
for Watercourse Treatment
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Electrical Connections for Public Lighting or
Relocation of Electric Supply
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Planning Permission: Part 8 Process
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Access to Third Party Land
CONSTRUCTION
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Simple Construction
Process for Main Route
Interface with Urban Area
Complex
Health and Safety Concerns
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Site security
Theft of equipment
Enthusiastic walkers
Additional Features
Build Biodiversity measures in from the start
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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?
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Bats vs. public lighting
How can you use the Greenway to promote the concept of
sustainable development, and as an educational resource?
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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!!