Meath County Council, along with the National Transport Authority (NTA), officially opened Phase One of the new Trim Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme earlier this morning (Thursday, May 1, 2025) in Navan.
Key features of the €7.3 million upgrade include a 1.2km-long segregated pedestrian and cycle route with improved public lighting, designed to promote confidence and safety when walking, wheeling and cycling.
Other improvements include the upgrade of the existing signalised junction with Dan Shaw Road, the upgrade of existing pedestrian crossings and the provision of two new signalised pedestrian/cycle crossings at St Columbus Crescent and the nearby Carriage Road junction.
Further important elements of the scheme include the provision of a school safety zone in the vicinity of Flowerfield School, wide cycle-tracks and footpaths, four new in-line bus stops, new road markings and traffic signage in addition to landscaping works to ensure a more attractive route for all users.
The Trim Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme extends along the R161 from the Beechmount Avenue junction on the Trim Road to Railway Street, connecting with the recently constructed roundabout at the Solstice Arts Centre. The scheme connects the town centre with the rapidly growing area to the south and provides increased connectivity to several schools in the area including St. Annes Loretto Primary School, St. Josephs Mercy Primary and Secondary Schools, Flowerfield Primary School and Beaufort College Secondary School.
At today’s opening event, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Sharon Tolan stated: "I am so honoured to be here today at the opening of the Trim Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme which, for so many reasons, will provide immense benefits to the people of Navan.
"This opening represents a major step forward in enhancing connectivity and promoting active travel in Navan by providing safer high-quality cycling and walking environment for the people of the town."
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "This project creates enhanced accessible pedestrian links to and from the town centre, provides safe cycling and pedestrian routes to several schools, forms key links to local communities, businesses, and amenities, and reduces dependence on private vehicles in turn supporting healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
“I am delighted, in particular, that the enhanced accessibility the route provides will encourage people of all ages to choose active travel as their main form of transport.
“On behalf of Meath County Council, I would like to acknowledge the co-operation of all residents, business owners and affected property owners along the route together with all road users during the construction phase of the project.”
Anthony Morrow, Senior Programme Manager at the National Transport Authority said: “The delivery of this scheme by Meath County Council further enhances the pedestrian environment and cycling facilities in and around Navan. Investing in infrastructure like this will give people more choices when it come to how they move around and will encourage more people to choose sustainable travel, especially for shorter journeys.”