This Phase established the need for the Project by identifying the issues affecting the performance of the existing Network and potential feasible solutions. Barry Transportation prepared the Project Appraisal Reports for the Project in December 2019.
TII confirmed approval to proceed to Phase 2 (Options Selection) on 20th December 2019.
The purpose of this phase is to examine alternative options available to meet the needs of the project and to determine a Preferred Transport Solution (Preferred Option).
Stage 1: Preliminary Options Assessment
Stage 2: Project Appraisal of Options
Stage 2 of the Option Selection Process commenced in January 2021 and involved the assessment of alternative transport modes and the shortlisted options. The assessment of alternatives considered active travel, public transport, demand management and new road infrastructure and concluded that a combination of these solutions would be necessary to meet the project objectives. The Preferred Option is a multi-modal transport solution which will cater for a number of sustainable alternative modes of travel.
The Option Selection Process continued with the assessment of the ten shortlisted options under the six Common Appraisal Framework (CAF) criteria: Environment, Economy, Safety, Integration, Physical Activity and Accessibility and Social Inclusion. This assessment led to the identification of the Emerging Preferred Option (modified Option Cv2) which was then presented to the public at Public Consultation No. 3, which took place in August and September 2021. Click here for the consultation documents.
Stage 3: Selection of a Preferred Option Corridor
Stage 3 commenced after Public Consultation No. 3, when submissions and feedback received were reviewed and considered by the Project Team. It was determined that there was no substantially new and/or additional information which would result in an amendment to the previously presented Emerging Preferred Option Corridor. However, the junction corridor areas were reviewed and some of these areas have been amended in shape and reduced in size. In addition, corridors were developed depicting areas where side roads may be realigned and active travel infrastructure may be provided.
Therefore, the modified Option Cv2 has been adopted as the Preferred Transport Solution (Preferred Option), and put on Public Display from 16th May 2023.
TII confirmed approval to proceed to Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) on 14th June 2023.
The purpose of this phase is to further develop the design and undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Transport Solution, including the mainline alignment, junction and side road arrangements, active travel facilities and transport park and share hubs (mobility hubs) and land take requirements.
As the design reaches a level of maturity where informed discussions can take place, the N3 Virginia Bypass team will consult directly with potentially impacted land and property owners on the developing design.
(Subject to funding and approvals to proceed).
The purpose of Phase 4 is to advance the project through the statutory processes. This involves the preparation and publication of documentation to ensure that the project is developed in accordance with planning, environmental and other relevant legislation. The planning documentation will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála and members of the public or interested parties can make submissions to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the scheme. An Bord Pleanála may then call an Oral Hearing.
