The Draft Archaeological Strategy does not include specific reference to the proposed “urban street of pedestrian and cyclist priority between the Central Access Scheme and Bateman Quay crossing the River Breagagh at the existing bridge crossing.”
The Department is concerned regarding any potential visual impact the proposed ramped access (urban street of pedestrian and cyclist priority) from the Central Access Scheme (CAS) to the Framework Plan area may have on the setting and amenity of the adjacent National Monuments (St Francis Abbey and City Defences, Evans Tower) and the nearby St. Canices Cathedral and ecclesiastical site. This matter should be addressed in any landscape assessment carried out as part of the Framework Plan.
It is the Department’s understanding that the An Bord Pleanála determination in relation to the Central Access Scheme (CAS) did not include permission relating to any access or slipway to the Abbey Quarter Masterplan area. Details regarding any required Part 8 applications or other permissions should be provided in the final Framework Plan.
In the consideration of alternative scenarios regarding access for the Masterplan/Framework area, it has been noted that development options will be examined including for transport. It is important that the various options for proposed access points (i.e. road access, emergency access, pedestrian access, bridge, etc.) be archaeologically assessed to ensure that the access points and proposed roadways/streets within the Framework Plan area are positioned, designed and constructed to ensure the preservation and protection of both the amenity and physical remains (both above and below ground) associated with the National Monuments located within the Plan area.