Addressing Waterford road scheme controversies
'As we implement Bus Connects, as we develop the transport hub, as we roll out our additional schemes, as we advance our modelling in the medium term, there’s always a possibility that a shuttle bus or a small tram can be introduced.'
In a rare moment of access, the Waterford News & Star had the opportunity to ask Acting Director of Services for Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes, some questions about recent road controversies in Waterford.
Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act has come increasingly into focus in local politics in the wake of Active Travel schemes that have frustrated motorists across Waterford.
The article provides that local authorities can implement traffic and infrastructure schemes - including Active Travel - without a vote of approval from elected councillors.
Mr Hynes told the Waterford News & Star, “Any of the projects we will be putting through, we will be getting good consultation with the councillors, we have considerable workshops. I would be hopeful that all schemes that we will be developing over the next couple of years, we will have the majority support of the members [of the council].
“Some of our larger schemes will be 'Part 8s', and they will be reserve functions of the members.”
This means that they will be solely the responsibility of elected members.
He told the Waterford News & Star that projects, such as the Williamstown Road, will be 'Part 8s', as will the Cork Road and a scheme at Lismore Park.
Public consultation is a fundamental element of the 'Part 8' planning application process. This consultation procedure requires that notice of the proposed development is given in an approved newspaper and that a site notice is erected on the land on which the proposed development would be situated.
“The majority of the schemes will be reserve functions for the members.”
The Waterford News & Star also asked Mr Hynes to comment on the omission of a shuttle bus in the final plans for the sustainable transport bridge.
He said: “In the shorter term, the shuttle bus has been ruled out. But as we implement Bus Connects, as we develop the transport hub, as we roll out our additional schemes, as we advance our modelling in the medium term, there’s always a possibility that a shuttle bus or a small tram can be introduced there and it will depend on demand. It can be piloted in the future.
“It’s not completely ruled out. We can re-evaluate everything.”
